What task should a nurse ask a patient to perform before administering high-dose cytarabine?

Before administering high-dose cytarabine, it is vital for a nurse to evaluate a patient's cognitive status, especially since this medication can cause neurological side effects such as confusion or altered mental status. Asking the patient to answer a series of complex questions provides a means to assess their current cognitive function and ensures that they are able to understand and follow instructions related to their treatment.

Monitoring cognitive status is particularly important in cases of high-dose chemotherapy because these treatments can significantly impact a patient’s mental clarity and overall ability to participate in their care. This step helps establish a baseline for the patient's cognitive function before starting treatment and can guide further assessment if neurological symptoms occur.

In contrast, the other options may not address the immediate cognitive impact of the treatment. While checking for ketones could be important for other conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis, it is not specifically relevant to the administration of cytarabine. Rinsing with a steroid-containing mouthwash may be part of oral care but again does not serve the purpose of assessing the patient’s cognitive state pre-treatment. Writing their first and last name may not offer sufficient insight into cognitive function. Therefore, focusing on complex questions is most aligned with effective pre-treatment assessment for the administration of high-dose cytarabine.