What is the primary purpose of protective isolation for chemotherapy patients?

Protective isolation for chemotherapy patients is primarily implemented to minimize infection risk due to immunosuppression. Chemotherapy agents can weaken the immune system by reducing the number of white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting off infections. As a result, patients undergoing chemotherapy are at a heightened risk for infections from both external sources and their own microbiomes. Protective isolation involves measures such as restricting visitors, enhancing hand hygiene practices, and ensuring a clean environment to protect these vulnerable patients from pathogens that could lead to serious complications.

This approach does not enhance medication absorption, facilitate physical activity, or specifically improve nutritional intake, as those factors, while important in patient care, are not the primary focus of protective isolation. Instead, the main goal is to protect the patient's compromised immune system from infections, which can be particularly deadly during chemotherapy treatment.