Colorectal Cancer: Consequences of Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting on Patients’ Functional Daily Living

Abstract

The aim of this study: To assess consequences due to chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting on patients’ functional daily living. Research design: Descriptive design was utilized to conduct this study. Setting: The study was conducted in the internal oncology department at Qena Health Insurance Hospital. Sample: Forty-eight male and female patients admitted in the internal oncology department of the above mentioned hospital. Tools: Tool (I): Patient assessment sheet. Tool (II): Functional Living Index for Emesis (FLIE) Questionnaire. Results: About one third of studied patients suffered from consequences in the form of malnutrition, electrolyte imbalance, Mallory_ Weiss Syndrome (31.3%), delayed treatment, salivation and fever, high antiemetic cost, ( 33.3%,18.8%, 20.8% respectively)which reflected on their functional daily living as 97% had worse condition before chemotherapy and all patents had worse condition of functional daily living after chemotherapy too.Conclusion: Consequences due to Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting had a maximum impact on nearly all patients’ functional daily living either before or after chemotherapy. Recommendation: Colorectal cancer patients who receive chemotherapy in need to intensive nursing care and appropriate strategies to manage chemotherapy side effects and consequences related to these side effects which can improve their functional daily living.