Case Study: 5. Michelle, 50 years old, is recovering from breast cancer surgery.
ID: 160131 • Letter: C
Question
Case Study: 5. Michelle, 50 years old, is recovering from breast cancer surgery. She has been experiencing side effects from chemotherapy, particularly nausea and vomiting. Subsequently she has been losing weight, but currently her weight is stable. During the assessment, she mentions that she has been seeing a naturopathic physician to reduce the symptoms related to chemotherapy. Part of this plan includes restricting some fruits and vegetables, fat, and kcal. What, as the patient’s nurse, are your concerns regarding these recommendations? What are the dietary requirements that Michelle should have as she undergoes her chemotherapy? (20 points)
Explanation / Answer
4.Depending upon the chemotherapy regimen certain important protective botanical factors may be helpful as supplements. Examples include Vitamins C and E (alpha and gamma-pherols) and the antioxidant bioflavonoids (colored botanical factors) such as beta carotene, xanthophylls and ellagic acid.
5. All of these can be consumed by selecting at least ten servings of fruits and vegetables each day. For many people this may be an unrealistic amount so supplements are available. Typical quantities would be 500 milligrams of Vitamin C as Ester-C with bioflavonoids and 2000 milligrams of Vitamin C as ascorbic acid. 400 International Units of Vitamin E as mixed tocopherols.
6. Soy protein may be beneficial but the amount required is still controversial. Many legumes may also contain protective phytochemicals and it would be prudent to include many beans of various types in your diet. Black beans, garbanzo beans, red kidney beans, black eyed peas are just some examples of healthy, dietary fiber rich, folate rich sources of plant protein. Eat them often using an enzyme product such as Beano to minimize gas discomfort.
7. Most multivitamin and mineral supplements that provide RDA quantities and include antioxidants (typical brands from most pharmacies and good health food stores) are sufficient for most individuals who eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables and at least six servings of grains or beans