Which nursing intervention is most critical for a patient undergoing chemotherapy?

Monitoring for signs of infection is a critical intervention for a patient undergoing chemotherapy due to the immunosuppressive effects of the treatment. Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, which includes not only cancer cells but also normal cells in the bone marrow that produce white blood cells. This result is a decreased white blood cell count, specifically neutrophils, leading to neutropenia and a heightened risk for infections.

During this period, any signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or unusual drainage, should be closely monitored. Early detection and prompt management of infections can significantly impact patient outcomes, as infections can lead to serious complications in immunocompromised individuals.

While assessing the infusion site, providing a high-calorie diet, and managing fluid intake are all important components of patient care, they are not as immediately critical in the context of infection risk associated with chemotherapy. The focus should be on recognizing and addressing any potential infections to ensure the patient's safety and well-being during treatment.