Question

A nurse is discharging a client who has been undergoing chemotherapy. When discussing at home care, the priority instruction should be to: A. avoid public places. B. include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. C. limit visitors in the home. D. wash your hands often.

Short answer

D. wash your hands often.

Step-by-step solution

- Understand the Context

The client has been undergoing chemotherapy, which can significantly weaken the immune system, making it important to provide instructions that minimize the risk of infection.

- Evaluate Each Option

Go through each option and assess whether it reduces the client's risk of infection:**Option A: Avoid public places**- Reducing exposure to potentially infected individuals can be important, but it's not the easiest or most emphasized method.**Option B: Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet**- While important for general health, some fresh produce can carry bacteria, which poses a risk for someone with a weakened immune system.**Option C: Limit visitors in the home**- Limiting visitors can help control exposure to infections but similarly depends on the behavior of others rather than the patient.**Option D: Wash your hands often**- Handwashing is a direct and effective method under the control of the patient to reduce infection risk and is highly emphasized in healthcare for immunocompromised patients.

- Prioritize the Instruction

Since hand hygiene is a simple, effective measure directly under the individual's control and is strongly recommended for immunocompromised patients, it should be considered the most crucial instruction.

Key concepts

Infection Control

Chemotherapy weakens the immune system, making patients more susceptible to infections. Protecting against infections is crucial for their recovery and overall well-being. Here are some important infection control tips:

• Avoid crowded places to reduce exposure to infections.
• Stay away from people who are sick.
• Keep the living environment clean and sanitized.
• Follow a strict regimen for cleaning wounds and catheters.

Taking these precautions helps minimize the risk of infection and promotes a safer recovery process.

Hand Hygiene

Hand hygiene is one of the most important and easiest ways to prevent infections. Proper hand hygiene involves:

• Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Using hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
• Avoiding touching the face, especially the eyes, nose, and mouth, with unwashed hands.

Regular handwashing reduces the chance of transferring germs from surfaces to the body. It is a simple yet highly effective practice, especially for those with weakened immune systems.

Chemotherapy Side Effects

Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cancer cells, but it can also affect other fast-growing healthy cells, leading to side effects. Common chemotherapy side effects include:

• Fatigue: Rest is crucial; it's normal to feel tired.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Anti-nausea medications can help.
• Hair Loss: This is usually temporary.
• Appetite Changes: Eating small, frequent meals can help maintain nutrition.

Understanding these side effects allows patients and caregivers to better prepare and manage symptoms effectively.

Patient Discharge Education

Educating patients at discharge ensures they continue their care effectively at home. Key points include:

• Medication Management: How and when to take prescribed drugs.
• Signs of Infections: When to seek medical help.
• Nutritional Advice: Safe foods to eat and which to avoid.
• Follow-Up Appointments: Importance of keeping these for continuous care.

Proper discharge education empowers patients, enhances recovery, and reduces the risk of complications.