What symptom could indicate that a patient is experiencing adverse effects from L-asparaginase?

Nausea and shortness of breath are indeed symptoms that may indicate adverse effects from L-asparaginase. L-asparaginase is commonly used in the treatment of certain types of leukemia and lymphoma, but it can lead to various side effects due to its mechanism of action, which involves depleting asparagine—a vital amino acid for cancer cells.

The occurrence of nausea suggests gastrointestinal irritation or a reaction to the medication, while shortness of breath may point to a more serious issue, such as an allergic reaction or an impact on the respiratory system. Both symptoms together signal the need for prompt evaluation, as they could reveal that the patient's body is responding negatively to the treatment. Recognizing these symptoms early can lead to timely intervention, ensuring patient safety.

Weight gain, headache, and increased appetite, while they may occur for other reasons in patients receiving treatment, do not specifically correlate with the adverse pharmacological effects known to be associated with L-asparaginase. Thus, nausea and shortness of breath uniquely highlight potential adverse reactions the patient may be experiencing from the medication.