The nurse is administering filgrastim (G-CSF) to a patient with colorectal cancer after finishing a cycle of chemotherapy.
Which SMART Outcome will this intervention help to achieve?

Choice A rationale

Pain from mucositis and oral tissue injury is a significant concern for patients undergoing chemotherapy. However, it is not typically life-threatening and can be managed with appropriate pain relief measures and oral care.

Choice B rationale

Weakness and fatigue with activity are common side effects of chemotherapy and the disease process itself. While these symptoms impact the patient's quality of life, they do not usually require urgent intervention.

Choice C rationale

Blood pressure of 90/64 mmHg, pulse of 102 beats per minute, and oral temperature of 38.5 degrees Celsius suggest possible sepsis or severe infection. These vital signs indicate an urgent need for intervention to prevent further deterioration and potentially life-threatening complications.

Choice D rationale

Scattered ecchymosis and petechiae are signs of thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), which is a common complication of leukemia and its treatment. While important to monitor and manage, these findings are not typically as urgent as signs of sepsis or severe infection.

Choice A rationale

Notifying the healthcare provider is the appropriate first action when significant ecchymosis is observed in a patient with Cushing's syndrome, as it may indicate a need for medical intervention.

Choice B rationale

Administering insulin is not relevant as the primary concern here is the ecchymosis, not hyperglycemia.

Choice C rationale

While providing skin care is important, it does not address the potential underlying cause of the ecchymosis, necessitating provider notification first.

Choice D rationale

Monitoring intake and output and daily weight is a general care measure but does not address the immediate concern of ecchymosis observed.