A patient with colon cancer complains of fatigue and presents with anemia. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?

Choice A reason: Advising a patient with symptomatic anemia and fatigue to increase physical activity is inappropriate and potentially unsafe. Fatigue in this context is caused by decreased oxygen-carrying capacity. Increasing physical exertion would further strain the cardiovascular system and worsen the patient's exhaustion and shortness of breath. Choice B reason: Preparing the patient for a blood transfusion is the most appropriate intervention for acute or symptomatic anemia in a cancer patient. This directly addresses the deficit in hemoglobin and red blood cells, rapidly improving oxygen delivery to tissues and relieving the debilitating fatigue caused by chronic occult blood loss from the tumor. Choice C reason: While encouraging iron-rich foods is a helpful long-term nutritional strategy, it is insufficient for a patient already presenting with clinically significant anemia and fatigue related to malignancy. Dietary changes take weeks to affect hemoglobin levels and cannot keep pace with the ongoing blood loss often associated with colorectal cancer. Choice D reason: Administering diuretics would be counterproductive and potentially dangerous for a patient with anemia. Diuretics reduce plasma volume, which could lead to hypotension and decreased tissue perfusion in a patient who already has a compromised oxygen-delivery system. Diuretics are generally used for fluid overload, not for treating anemia.