A client receiving chemotherapy develops a cough that is productive of yellow-tinged sputum. After determining that the client is afebrile, which is the priority action for the practical nurse (PN) to take?

A. Measure and record the client's intake and output: Monitoring intake and output is useful for assessing hydration status, especially during chemotherapy, but it does not address the potential infectious process indicated by the productive cough. B. Notify the charge nurse of the assessment findings: Chemotherapy suppresses bone marrow function, placing the client at risk for infection even in the absence of fever. A productive cough with yellow-tinged sputum suggests possible infection, requiring prompt reporting so diagnostic tests and interventions can be initiated quickly. C. Plan to re-assess the client's temperature in two hours: Waiting to reassess delays recognition of a potentially serious infection. Immunocompromised clients may not develop a fever despite significant infection, making early reporting and evaluation essential. D. Provide oral hygiene on a regular, frequent schedule: Regular oral care is important in reducing infection risk but is not the immediate priority. The PN must first ensure that potential respiratory infection symptoms are communicated to initiate timely evaluation.