Chemotherapy-Induced Diarrhea

BC Cancer 

• Symptom management guidelines

Oncology Nutrition 

• Food choices to help manage diarrhea caused by cancer treatment 

1. Patient typically has 2 bowel movements per day and is now experiencing 6 loose stools per day since starting chemotherapy. How would you grade the severity of this chemo-induced diarrhea? 

a) Grade 1

b) Grade 2

c) Grade 3

d) Grade 4

2. The following are complications associated with chemotherapy-induced diarrhea, EXCEPT?

a) Dehydration

b) Cancer progression

c) Hypertension

d) Electrolyte imbalances

3. Which chemotherapy agent is not considered one of the most common to cause chemotherapy-induced diarrhea?

a) Fluorouracil

b) Capecitabine

c) Vincristine

d) Irinotecan

4. Patient has been experiencing 9 loose stools per day (baseline is 2 bowels movements daily). What do you recommend for this patient? 

a) Recommend non-drug measures only (medical attention not required) 

b) Recommend patient seek medical attention within 24 hours 

c) Recommend patient seek medical attention immediately

d) None of the above

5. What is the recommended loperamide regimen for chemotherapy-induced diarrhea? 

a) 4mg STAT then 2mg q1h until diarrhea free for 12 hours  

b) 4mg STAT then 2mg q2h until diarrhea free for 12 hours

c) 4mg STAT then 2mg q1h until diarrhea free for 24 hours 

d) 4mg STAT then 2mg q2h until diarrhea free for 24 hours