A nurse is caring for a client who has oral achalasia. The nurse should ask the client which of the following questions to assess their ability to swallow?

Choice A reason: This statement encourages the client's involvement by offering assistance in creating a personalized list of preferred foods, which can then be discussed with the dietitian. It promotes a collaborative approach to the dietary plan, allowing the client to have a say in their food choices, which is essential for long-term adherence and management of type 2 diabetes.

Choice B reason: While this statement shows empathy, it does not actively encourage the client's involvement in their care. Understanding the challenges is important, but it is more beneficial to empower the client to take an active role in managing their dietary choices.

Choice C reason: This statement is factual, as managing diabetes does require accommodations. However, it does not directly encourage the client's involvement. Instead, it could be more encouraging by suggesting ways the client can participate in making those accommodations.

Choice D reason: Informing the client that the dietitian will provide the best food choices is reassuring but does not facilitate the client's involvement. It positions the dietitian as the sole decision-maker rather than including the client as an active participant in their dietary planning.

Choice A reason: Constipation can be a side effect of many cancer treatments, including radiation therapy. However, it is not commonly associated with targeted radiation therapy to the neck. Constipation is more often related to opioid pain medications, decreased physical activity, or dietary changes that a patient may experience during cancer treatment.

Choice B reason: Decreased tear production is not a typical side effect of targeted radiation therapy to the neck. This condition, known as dry eye syndrome, is more commonly associated with radiation therapy that affects the eye or orbital area directly.

Choice C reason: Mouth ulcers, also known as mucositis, are a common adverse effect of radiation therapy to the neck. Radiation can damage the mucosal lining of the mouth, leading to painful sores that can affect a patient's ability to eat, speak, and swallow. These ulcers typically develop one to two weeks after starting treatment and may persist for some time after the treatment ends.

Choice D reason: Peripheral neuropathy, which involves damage to the peripheral nerves and often results in symptoms like numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands and feet, is not a common side effect of radiation therapy to the neck. It is more frequently associated with certain chemotherapeutic agents or radiation therapy to areas of the body where peripheral nerves are located.