Free Essay On Symptom Management Challenges

One of the side effects of chemotherapy is nausea and vomiting. The most basic form of management for this side effect is giving the patient anti-nausea prescriptions. Patients are usually advised to be regular about their nausea medications and nurses supervise with that. When it comes to this side effect, food is an issue that is carried with a lot of sensitivity. Food can accelerate the urge to vomit. As a result, patients are usually advised to stay away from fatty, or over salted food. Food that is also too sweet or spicy is advised against. Nurses help patients come up with a meal roster that contains foods that lack the above qualities. Also regarding food, many chemotherapy patients have complained of the smell. It triggers their urge to vomit and increases nausea. Therefore, they are usually advised to have a caregiver who can cook it for them.
They then need to it the food when it has cooled down as opposed to when it is hot. The meals should come in small portions and run throughout the day. It is better than having the three main meals. The meals should be accompanied by small gulps of water. The water should then be taken throughout the day. Still on the subject of food, a patient should develop a roster where they eat an hour or so after receiving treatment. Taking medication and eating food at the same time can be cause nausea for some individuals.
The patient should exercise deep breathing during chemotherapy treatment. The breathing helps to ease the stomach and prevent nausea and vomiting. Optionally, the patient could practice the art of meditation. It is a good form of relaxation that would allow them to breathe deeply and easily. Sometimes, nausea comes with stressful feelings and meditation can help reduce the frequency.