CSO Study Guide Rated A+
Managing chemo-related nausea & vomiting
Eat light meals frequently—dry toast, crackers, plain noodles, or rice can be gentle
on the stomach.
Stick to cold or room-temperature foods to avoid strong smells triggering nausea.
Avoid greasy, spicy, or overly sweet foods (e.g., chips, sausage, candy).
Stay away from caffeine and alcohol.
Sip liquids slowly throughout the day—try ginger ale, apple juice, or sports drinks.
Soothe nausea with peppermint candies or lemon drops.
Nutritional supplements like ensure® enlive! Can help boost intake.
Types of nausea
Anticipatory: happens before chemo, triggered by previous experiences. Best
managed with relaxation or meds like ativan.
Acute: appears within the first 24 hours after treatment.
, Delayed: starts more than 24 hours later—often with drugs like cisplatin or
cyclophosphamide.
Anti-nausea medications
Highly emetogenic drugs (like cisplatin): need a triple combo—5-ht3 blocker (e.g.,
ondansetron), dexamethasone, and aprepitant.
Moderate/low risk meds: may need fewer or different antiemetics.
Serotonin antagonists work best before treatment and are paired with steroids/nk1
blockers for full protection.
Oral & gi side effects of treatment
Mucositis & stomatitis
Painful swelling and sores may appear in the mouth, throat, or digestive tract—
usually within 10 days of starting treatment.
Often seen after high-dose chemo or radiation to the head, neck, or abdomen.
Common culprits: methotrexate, irinotecan, 5-fu; radiation to gi areas.
Tips for managing mouth sores
Avoid acidic, spicy, and rough foods (e.g., chips, tomatoes, citrus).
Choose soft or blended meals—serve them cool or at room temp.
Stay hydrated; chew gum or suck sugar-free candies.
Managing chemo-related nausea & vomiting
Eat light meals frequently—dry toast, crackers, plain noodles, or rice can be gentle
on the stomach.
Stick to cold or room-temperature foods to avoid strong smells triggering nausea.
Avoid greasy, spicy, or overly sweet foods (e.g., chips, sausage, candy).
Stay away from caffeine and alcohol.
Sip liquids slowly throughout the day—try ginger ale, apple juice, or sports drinks.
Soothe nausea with peppermint candies or lemon drops.
Nutritional supplements like ensure® enlive! Can help boost intake.
Types of nausea
Anticipatory: happens before chemo, triggered by previous experiences. Best
managed with relaxation or meds like ativan.
Acute: appears within the first 24 hours after treatment.
, Delayed: starts more than 24 hours later—often with drugs like cisplatin or
cyclophosphamide.
Anti-nausea medications
Highly emetogenic drugs (like cisplatin): need a triple combo—5-ht3 blocker (e.g.,
ondansetron), dexamethasone, and aprepitant.
Moderate/low risk meds: may need fewer or different antiemetics.
Serotonin antagonists work best before treatment and are paired with steroids/nk1
blockers for full protection.
Oral & gi side effects of treatment
Mucositis & stomatitis
Painful swelling and sores may appear in the mouth, throat, or digestive tract—
usually within 10 days of starting treatment.
Often seen after high-dose chemo or radiation to the head, neck, or abdomen.
Common culprits: methotrexate, irinotecan, 5-fu; radiation to gi areas.
Tips for managing mouth sores
Avoid acidic, spicy, and rough foods (e.g., chips, tomatoes, citrus).
Choose soft or blended meals—serve them cool or at room temp.
Stay hydrated; chew gum or suck sugar-free candies.
