Which signs and symptoms are important for the nurse to report to the next shift?
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: A. Mild fatigue is common in many patients, especially those undergoing cancer treatment, and is not immediately life-threatening. While it should be monitored, it does not require urgent reporting to the next shift. B. Nausea and vomiting are expected side effects of many treatments, including chemotherapy. They should be managed symptomatically, but in the absence of severe dehydration or inability to tolerate fluids, they are not considered urgent for shift-to-shift reporting. C. Fever and chills in a patient, particularly one with neutropenia or immunosuppression, may indicate a serious infection. In these patients, infections can progress rapidly and become life-threatening, so this must be reported immediately to ensure prompt intervention, including assessment, blood cultures, and possible initiation of antibiotics. D. Dry, itchy skin is a common, non-urgent side effect of cancer treatments or environmental factors. While it should be addressed to maintain comfort and skin integrity, it does not require urgent reporting.