What nursing assessment would you prioritize for a patient receiving chemotherapy?

Monitoring for signs of infection is a critical nursing assessment for patients undergoing chemotherapy due to the treatment’s impact on the immune system. Chemotherapy often leads to neutropenia, a reduced number of neutrophils, which significantly increases a patient’s vulnerability to infections. The body’s ability to fight off infections is compromised, making it essential for nurses to be vigilant in identifying any signs of infection such as fever, chills, or localized symptoms that could indicate an infectious process.

In this context, being proactive in assessing for infections can lead to early detection and intervention, which are crucial for preventing complications. While assessing pain levels, evaluating nutritional intake, and tracking exercise routines are important aspects of overall patient care, they do not carry the same immediate risk as infection monitoring in the chemotherapy context. Therefore, prioritizing the assessment for signs of infection ensures patient safety and contributes to better health outcomes during chemotherapy treatment.