The nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client who has received their first external radiation treatment. The client is scheduled for daily treatments for the next 6 weeks. The nurse would include which instruction in the teaching?
Wash skin with water and apply scented lotion if skin becomes dry and itchy
Skin treatment markings are to remain intact for the duration of treatment
Limit time with others while at home to decrease radiation exposure to others
Skin damage is expected and does not require notification to the radiologist or physician
The Correct Answer is B
A. Washing the skin with water is generally acceptable, but applying scented lotion is not recommended as it may irritate the skin or interfere with treatment; only specific products as advised by the healthcare provider should be used.
B. Skin treatment markings are important for ensuring correct targeting of radiation during therapy and should remain intact for the duration of treatment to avoid misalignment.
C. While some precautions may be necessary, limiting time with others at home is not typically a requirement for external radiation, as it does not make the client radioactive.
D. Skin damage can occur from radiation treatment, and any changes should be reported to the healthcare provider, as monitoring and managing side effects is important for the patient's overall care.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Stomatitis is a common side effect of radiation therapy for oral cancer, and while it requires management, it is not immediately life-threatening.
B. Stridor indicates potential airway obstruction, which is a critical and urgent condition that requires immediate intervention, making it the greatest concern among the options presented.
C. Nausea is a typical side effect of cancer treatment but is usually manageable and not considered an immediate threat.
D. Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is another common side effect of radiation to the head and neck, but it is not as urgent as the risk of airway compromise indicated by stridor.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Constipation is not a direct consequence of external beam radiation to the lung; it may occur due to other factors, such as reduced mobility or medications, but it is not specifically anticipated from this treatment.
B. Alopecia is typically associated with radiation therapy to areas where hair grows, such as the head, rather than the lung area, so it is not expected in this case.
C. Increased saliva is not a common side effect of radiation to the lungs; rather, some patients may experience dry mouth due to treatment to nearby structures.
D. Esophagitis is a well-known complication of radiation therapy to the chest area, as the esophagus can be affected by radiation exposure, leading to inflammation and discomfort in swallowing.