In: Nursing
CRITAL THINKING:
1) Melanie, a breast cancer patient receiving chemotherapy, comes into your office for her normal treatment. Upon examination, it is revealed that Melanie is experiencing flulike symptoms. The physician asks you to order a CBC. What results might you expect for a patient with Melanie’s characteristics, and why? Why might Melanie be experiencing flulike symptoms?
The patient who are undergone cancer treatment may be at a higher risk for catching the flu, because their immune system may be weak.
Relation of complete Blood count during chemotherapy :-
1. Chemotherapy can Lower the number of platelets in your blood- this is called thrombocytopenia. Platelets are the cells that are help the blood to clot. If the number of platelets drops, you may be more likely to have nose bleeds, bleeding gum or tiny red spot on your skin. You may also bruises more easy than normal.
2. Chemotherapy can affect your red blood cells. If you have fewer red blood cells, a reduced amount of oxygen circulates through your body and you can become anaemic. Anaemia can make you feel very tired.
Cancer patients who undergone chemotherapy are more prone to get "flu like syndromes".
Flu symptoms associated with chills, fever, running nose, sore throat or coughing.
They should take medical attention immediately,especially if you have a compromised immune system.