What is one priority action the nurse should take before administering chemotherapy?

Administering a prescribed antiemetic before chemotherapy is a priority action because chemotherapy agents are known to often induce nausea and vomiting as side effects. Antiemetics help in managing these symptoms and improving the patient's comfort and overall experience during treatment. By proactively preventing nausea, the nurse can minimize distress and enhance the patient’s ability to tolerate the chemotherapy process.

While a physical examination can be important, it is generally done at the onset of treatment or when there are changes in the patient's condition rather than immediately before each chemotherapy session. Similarly, increasing fluid intake may be beneficial, but it is not as directly linked to the immediate management of the side effects that chemotherapy can cause. Consulting with a dietitian can provide nutritional support, but is typically not an urgent action that demands priority in the context of preparing a patient for chemotherapy. Ensuring that the patient has adequate antiemetic medication in place is critical to their comfort and adherence to treatment protocols.