Which effect of anemia can complicate a patient's chemotherapy experience?

Worsened fatigue is a significant effect of anemia that can greatly complicate a patient’s experience during chemotherapy. Anemia results in a decreased hemoglobin level, which leads to reduced oxygen delivery to tissues. This lack of oxygen can contribute to increased fatigue and decreased energy levels, making it challenging for patients to engage in daily activities and adhere to their treatment regimen.

In the context of chemotherapy, where patients may already experience fatigue due to the treatment itself, the additional burden of anemia can diminish their overall tolerance to therapy. This compounded fatigue can lead to a decreased ability to cope with treatment side effects, potentially impacting the effectiveness of chemotherapy as patients might be less able to participate in supportive measures or manage other symptoms.

The other potential complications listed do not have the same direct relationship with anemia in the context of chemotherapy. For instance, reduced pain sensation is not a typical consequence of anemia, and while increased susceptibility to infections can be a concern due to immunosuppression from chemotherapy, it is more directly related to the effects of the treatment itself rather than anemia. Improved nausea management does not link to anemia; in fact, nausea may be exacerbated in patients who are fatigued, highlighting how worsened fatigue is a more pertinent issue in this scenario.