When assessing a patient on chemotherapy, which symptom should prompt immediate nursing intervention?

The new onset of a severe headache in a patient undergoing chemotherapy is a symptom that warrants immediate nursing intervention. This is because a severe headache can indicate a range of potentially serious complications, such as intracranial pressure changes, central nervous system involvement, or complications like tumor lysis syndrome or even a medication side effect. In the context of cancer treatment, sudden changes in neurological status, including severe headaches, must be assessed promptly to rule out serious conditions like meningitis, intracranial hemorrhage, or severe electrolyte imbalances that can be life-threatening.

While fatigue, changes in taste and appetite, and occasional nausea are common side effects associated with chemotherapy, they usually do not require immediate intervention unless they are severe or are leading to more serious complications, such as significant weight loss or dehydration. Monitoring and management of these symptoms is important, but the presence of a severe headache is a more significant red flag that requires urgent evaluation and intervention to ensure patient safety.