A patient with ovarian cancer has developed anemia due to radiation therapy. Which interventions are appropriate?

Monitoring hemoglobin and hematocrit levels is a critical intervention for a patient with anemia due to radiation therapy. These measures provide important information regarding the severity of the anemia and the patient's overall blood health. By regularly assessing these levels, healthcare providers can determine if the anemia is improving, stable, or worsening, which aids in guiding treatment decisions. This ongoing monitoring helps in managing the patient’s care effectively, as adjustments can be made based on the results, ensuring that anemia is properly addressed.

Other potential interventions, while they may have relevance in different contexts, do not focus directly on the immediate need to assess and respond to anemia in this patient. For instance, vitamin B12 injections are typically indicated for specific types of anemia related to deficiency, rather than anemia caused by radiation therapy. Increased physical activity may not be advisable for an anemic patient, as it could exacerbate fatigue. Limiting fluid intake does not address the root cause of anemia and could lead to further complications or discomfort. Hence, monitoring hemoglobin and hematocrit levels emerges as the most suitable intervention in this scenario.