Final answer:
The priority nursing intervention for a client receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer is monitoring for signs of infection, due to the immunosuppressive effects of chemotherapy. Pain management and providing information on fertility are also important, but secondary to the immediate risk presented by potential infections. Supportive care methods include medications for nausea and mouthwashes for oral health.
Step-by-step explanation:
The priority nursing intervention when caring for a client receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer is c) Monitoring for signs of infection. Chemotherapy can suppress the immune system, making the patient more susceptible to infections, which can be life-threatening. It is critical to monitor the patient's temperature, look for signs of redness or swelling, and check white blood cell counts regularly. While pain management is important and should be proactive to keep the patient comfortable (administering pain medication proactively), the immediate risk of infection is a more urgent concern. Encouraging a low-fiber diet may be recommended in certain circumstances to reduce digestive system irritation, but it is not the priority. Providing information on fertility preservation is also necessary, but it does not take precedence over monitoring for signs of infection.
Additional supportive care may include giving medications like zofran and phenergan to help with nausea, and using special mouthwashes to reduce dry mouth and prevent cavities. These interventions help enhance the patient's comfort and quality of life during treatment.
Cancer survivors should follow recommendations for cancer prevention. This might include changes in diet, like limiting salty foods, and lifestyle changes post-treatment to reduce the risk of cancer reoccurrence.