What is a key nursing action when monitoring a patient for side effects of radiation therapy?

Monitoring white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts is a key nursing action when caring for a patient undergoing radiation therapy due to the potential for bone marrow suppression. Radiation can damage the bone marrow where blood cells are produced, leading to decreased levels of white blood cells, which can increase the risk of infection, and reduced platelet counts, which can affect the patient's ability to clot and may lead to increased bleeding. Therefore, regular monitoring of these parameters is essential for early detection of complications and to guide further management.

Other options may be relevant nursing actions, but they do not focus specifically on the hematologic effects of radiation therapy. For instance, checking vital signs is important for overall patient assessment but does not directly address the side effects related to bone marrow suppression. Encouraging fluid intake might be beneficial for patients experiencing dehydration or those requiring hydration for other reasons, but it is not a primary focus in monitoring for radiation-related side effects. Limiting patient activity can be appropriate if a patient is fatigued or has other symptoms, but it also does not target the specific side effects anticipated from radiation treatment.