Chemotherapy Biotherapy Certification ONS Practice Test 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction to chemotherapy typically include rash, difficulty breathing, and swelling. These symptoms are characteristic of an immune response to the chemotherapy drugs, which can prompt the body to react in a way that leads to skin changes (such as rashes), respiratory issues (like difficulty breathing), and swelling, often referred to as angioedema.

An allergic reaction can occur rapidly and is considered a medical emergency, making it crucial for healthcare providers to recognize these specific signs. The presence of a rash suggests a skin sensitivity, while respiratory distress and swelling can indicate a more severe and potentially life-threatening reaction, like anaphylaxis.

In contrast, the other options present symptoms that are not typically associated with allergic reactions to chemotherapy. Weight gain and headaches are often linked to side effects or complications of treatment, fever and chills may indicate infection or other non-allergic responses, and fatigue, loss of appetite, and insomnia are common side effects of chemotherapy but not directly tied to allergic reactions. Thus, the symptoms of rash, difficulty breathing, and swelling are significant red flags for potential allergic responses to these therapeutic agents.