For a client with brain cancer undergoing radiation therapy and exhibiting cachexia, the first nursing

measure should be to encourage a high protein and high-calorie diet.

High Protein and High Calorie Diet: Cachexia is a severe form of malnutrition often seen in cancer

patients, characterized by weight loss, muscle wasting, and decreased quality of life. Ensuring

adequate nutrition is crucial to improve strength, immune function, and overall well-being.

Frequent Oral Hygiene: This is important, especially if the patient has oral side effects from radiation,

but it does not address the primary issue of malnutrition.

Daily Physical Activity: Beneficial for maintaining muscle mass and overall health but should be

secondary to addressing severe nutritional deficits.

Small Cold Meals: These may be more palatable if the patient has nausea but should also be high in

calories and protein to combat cachexia.

Reference:

American Cancer Society: Managing Cancer Cachexia

Oncology Nursing Society (ONS): Nutrition and Cancer Care