What should a nurse teach a client receiving chemotherapy to prioritize for their health?

For a client receiving chemotherapy, it is crucial to prioritize avoiding large crowds and persons with infections due to the immunosuppressive effects of the treatment. Chemotherapy can significantly lower a patient's white blood cell count, making them more susceptible to infections.

When patients are in this condition, exposure to crowded environments or individuals who may be sick can increase their risk of contracting infections, which can be severe and potentially life-threatening. Teaching the client to limit their exposure to such situations allows them to protect their compromised immune system effectively.

While avoiding contact with family members may seem reasonable, it is not always necessary unless family members are unwell. Avoiding strenuous exercise is also important but not as critical as avoiding crowds, as light physical activity can often be beneficial unless otherwise directed by a healthcare provider. Lastly, while certain outdoor activities may need modification based on the patient’s condition, completely avoiding all outdoor activity is typically not required. Therefore, the emphasis on avoiding large crowds and people with infections is the most significant teaching point for maintaining their health during chemotherapy.