What is the primary purpose of chemotherapy in oncology nursing?

The primary purpose of chemotherapy in oncology is to kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy works by targeting rapidly dividing cells in the body, which includes cancer cells, as these cells typically replicate more quickly than normal cells. This treatment modality aims to reduce the size of tumors, eliminate cancer cells, and prevent the spread of the disease.

While some supportive care aspects like alleviating pain and enhancing nutrition are important in the overall management of oncology patients, they do not define the core aim of chemotherapy. Preventing the spread of benign tumors is not typically a goal of chemotherapy since benign tumors are non-cancerous and usually do not pose the same risks as malignant tumors. Hence, the correct answer focuses on the direct action of chemotherapy against cancer cells.