What should the nurse assess when caring for a child undergoing chemotherapy?

When caring for a child undergoing chemotherapy, it is crucial for the nurse to assess for signs of infection. This is primarily due to the immunosuppressive effects of chemotherapy, which can significantly decrease the child's white blood cell count, leading to an increased vulnerability to infections. Monitoring for symptoms such as fever, chills, or unusual fatigue is essential, as early detection of infection can prevent severe complications.

While weight gain, increased appetite, and improvement in stamina might be beneficial indicators of recovery or well-being in some contexts, they are not immediate concerns associated with chemotherapy. In fact, many children may experience weight loss, decreased appetite, and fatigue as side effects of their treatment. Therefore, the priority assessment of signs of infection is key in this scenario to ensure timely intervention and safe management of the child's health.