How does the nursing management of chemotherapy differ from that of immunotherapy?

The management of patients receiving immunotherapy necessitates careful monitoring for autoimmune side effects, which is a key distinction from chemotherapy management. Immunotherapy works by enhancing or restoring the immune system's ability to recognize and attack cancer cells; however, this activation can also lead to an inflammatory response targeting normal tissues. As a result, patients undergoing immunotherapy may experience side effects such as colitis, pneumonitis, or dermatitis, which require vigilant assessment and management.

In contrast, while chemotherapy also has its own set of side effects due to its cytotoxic nature, the specific monitoring for autoimmune reactions is more prevalent in immunotherapy. Continuous evaluation for these potential complications is crucial in immunotherapy patients to ensure early detection and intervention, which can significantly impact patient outcomes and quality of life.

The other options lack foundational support in the context of patient care: immunotherapy does require monitoring, chemotherapy may not be less toxic, and the effectiveness between the two can vary and is not universally applicable. Hence, the focus on managing immune-related adverse events underscores the critical aspects of nursing care in patients receiving immunotherapy.