What intervention should you implement in the care plan for a patient with nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy?

Serving meals at room temperature with clear fluids is an appropriate intervention for a patient experiencing nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy. This approach minimizes the risk of exacerbating nausea, as hot foods can emit strong odors that may trigger discomfort, and rich or heavy meals might be harder for the patient to tolerate.

Clear fluids, such as broth or clear juices, provide hydration and help replenish fluids lost due to vomiting without overwhelming the digestive system. The neutral temperature of these meals can also help reduce the sensory overload that sometimes aggravates nausea, creating a more manageable eating experience for patients in this situation.

In contrast, serving meals cold with thick fluids may not provide adequate nourishment and may be less appealing to the patient, potentially leading to decreased intake. Offering small, frequent meals with dairy products could also pose a problem, as dairy can be difficult to digest and might worsen gastrointestinal symptoms. Lastly, serving hot meals with rich sauces can be particularly problematic because the strong flavors and aroma can aggravate nausea, making it less likely that the patient will eat at all.