A nurse is preparing a client who is to receive chemotherapy for treatment of ovarian cancer. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

Rationale: A. Having the client floss 4 times daily is inappropriate because aggressive flossing can cause bleeding and mucosal injury, especially when chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia or mucositis is present. Oral care should be gentle, using a soft toothbrush and avoiding trauma to oral tissues. B. Telling the client to expect dark stools following chemotherapy is incorrect; chemotherapy does not typically cause dark stools. Black or tarry stools may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, which should always be reported and investigated promptly. C. Having the client swish with commercial mouthwash before therapy is contraindicated. Most commercial mouthwashes contain alcohol or other irritating agents that can worsen mucosal dryness and inflammation, increasing the risk of stomatitis or mucositis. Clients should instead use a mild saline or baking soda solution for oral rinsing. D. Administering an antiemetic prior to the procedure is the correct action. Chemotherapy commonly causes nausea and vomiting by stimulating the chemoreceptor trigger zone in the brain. Prophylactic administration of antiemetics such as ondansetron, metoclopramide, or dexamethasone helps prevent and control these distressing symptoms, improving client comfort and adherence to therapy.