National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT typically a side effect of chemotherapy?

1. Skin rash

2. Myopathies

3. Thrombocytopenia

4. Ulcers

The correct answer is: Myopathies

Myopathies are not typically considered a direct side effect of chemotherapy when compared to the other options listed. Chemotherapy primarily targets rapidly dividing cells, and while it can impact various organs and systems, myopathy—defined as muscle disease leading to weakness—is less commonly associated with chemotherapy treatments. On the other hand, skin rash, thrombocytopenia, and ulcers are all recognized side effects of chemotherapy. Skin rash can develop due to the skin's reaction to certain chemotherapeutic agents. Thrombocytopenia, or a decrease in platelets, is a frequent concern since chemotherapy can affect bone marrow function, inhibiting its ability to produce blood cells effectively. Ulcers can result from the impact of chemotherapy on mucosal lining, commonly seen in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract due to the treatment's cytotoxic effects on rapidly dividing cells in those areas. Each of these side effects reflects the broader impact chemotherapy has on various bodily functions and systems, highlighting why myopathies are notably absent from this list.