What side effect should the nurse expect when caring for a client receiving etoposide (VePesid)?

What side effect should the nurse expect when caring for a client receiving etoposide (VePesid)?

• A. Alopecia
• B. Chest pain
• C. Pulmonary fibrosis
• D. Orthostatic hypotension

Answer: (D)

When caring for a client receiving etoposide, the nurse should anticipate alopecia as a common side effect. Etoposide is a chemotherapeutic agent that targets and disrupts the DNA of cancer cells, which can also affect rapidly dividing normal cells, including those in hair follicles. This disruption often leads to hair loss, making alopecia a well-documented and expected side effect of treatment with this medication. While other side effects can occur, such as those associated with cardiovascular issues, pulmonary complications, or blood pressure changes, alopecia is specifically noted for its prevalence among patients undergoing chemotherapy with etoposide. Understanding this helps nurses provide proper education and support to clients during their treatment journey.

When caring for a client receiving etoposide, the nurse should anticipate alopecia as a common side effect. Etoposide is a chemotherapeutic agent that targets and disrupts the DNA of cancer cells, which can also affect rapidly dividing normal cells, including those in hair follicles. This disruption often leads to hair loss, making alopecia a well-documented and expected side effect of treatment with this medication.

While other side effects can occur, such as those associated with cardiovascular issues, pulmonary complications, or blood pressure changes, alopecia is specifically noted for its prevalence among patients undergoing chemotherapy with etoposide. Understanding this helps nurses provide proper education and support to clients during their treatment journey.