HESI Medical Surgical Practice Exam Quizlet Related

Review HESI Medical Surgical Practice Exam Quizlet related questions and content

A client who is receiving chemotherapy asks the nurse, 'Why is so much of my hair falling out each day?' Which response by the nurse best explains the reason for alopecia?

  • A. 'Chemotherapy affects the cells of the body that grow rapidly, both normal and malignant.'
  • B. 'Alopecia is a common side effect you will experience during long-term steroid therapy.'
  • C. 'Your hair will grow back completely after your course of chemotherapy is completed.'
  • D. 'The chemotherapy causes permanent alterations in your hair follicles that lead to hair loss.'
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Chemotherapy affects the cells of the body that grow rapidly, both normal and malignant.' Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, which include not only cancer cells but also healthy cells like those in hair follicles. This leads to alopecia (hair loss) as a common side effect. Choice B is incorrect as alopecia is primarily associated with chemotherapy and not long-term steroid therapy. Choice C is incorrect because while hair may grow back after chemotherapy, it may not always be to the same extent or thickness. Choice D is incorrect as chemotherapy-induced hair loss is often temporary and reversible, not permanent alterations in hair follicles.