A nurse is planning care for a client who is receiving targeted radiation therapy to the neck. The nurse should plan to monitor the client for which of the following as an adverse effect of this therapy?
Constipation
Decreased tear production
Mouth ulcers
Peripheral neuropathy
The Correct Answer is C
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Tapping the client's facial nerve and noting any facial twitching is not a specific assessment for bacterial meningitis. This action is more related to evaluating facial nerve function and is not typically used to diagnose meningitis.
Choice B reason: Striking the client's patellar tendon with a percussion hammer and noting any increase in response is a test for reflexes, which may or may not be altered in bacterial meningitis. An increased response can be seen in various neurological conditions and is not specific to meningitis.
Choice C reason: Gently elevating the client's head and noting any nuchal rigidity is a key part of the focused assessment for bacterial meningitis. Nuchal rigidity, or stiffness of the neck, is a classic sign of meningitis and is assessed by gently lifting the head and attempting to move the chin toward the chest. If the client resists due to pain or stiffness, this could indicate nuchal rigidity associated with meningitis.
Choice D reason: Running a tongue blade on the outside of the client's sole and noting any flaring of the toes, known as the Babinski sign, is used to assess for central nervous system lesions and is not specific to meningitis. While it can be part of a neurological assessment, it does not specifically indicate bacterial meningitis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: "Your provider wouldn't prescribe this medication if it weren't necessary." This response acknowledges the client's concerns while also reinforcing the importance of the medication as part of their treatment plan.
Choice B reason: "If you don't take this medication, you will feel worse." This response may come across as threatening and may not effectively address the client's concerns or foster a trusting relationship.
Choice C reason: "Most clients feel better after taking the antibiotic." While this may be true, it does not directly address the client's individual concerns about medication necessity.
Choice D reason: "I will tell your provider that you do not want to take this medication." This response does not engage with the client's concerns and may make the client feel unheard.
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