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 A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Checking the pulse distal to the graft is essential to ensure that the graft is patent and that there is adequate blood flow to the distal extremity. A palpable pulse indicates that the graft is functioning properly and not occluded. The absence of a pulse could signify a serious complication, such as thrombosis or stenosis, which requires immediate attention.
Choice B reason: Keeping the left forearm below the level of the heart is not recommended as it can increase venous pressure and swelling, potentially compromising graft function. The extremity should be kept at or above heart level to promote venous return and reduce the risk of edema.
Choice C reason: Collecting blood specimens from the graft is generally avoided to prevent damage to the graft. Blood draws can be performed from other sites to protect the integrity of the graft.
Choice D reason: Splinting the left forearm is not a standard postoperative care measure for an arteriovenous graft. While protecting the graft from injury is important, immobilization with a splint is not necessary and can impede mobility and circulation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: A heart rate of 60/min is within the normal range for an adult, and while it may be considered on the lower end, it is not in itself an indication to increase dopamine dosage. Dopamine is used to increase heart rate and cardiac output, but a rate of 60/min does not typically warrant an increase in dosage unless accompanied by other signs of inadequate perfusion.
Choice B reason: An oxygen saturation of 95% is within the normal range for arterial blood gases and is not an indication to increase dopamine dosage. Oxygen saturation reflects the percentage of hemoglobin binding sites in the bloodstream occupied by oxygen.
Choice C reason: A blood pressure of 90/50 mm Hg is considered low and can be an indication for increasing the dopamine dosage in a client with hypovolemic shock. Dopamine increases blood pressure by vasoconstriction and increasing cardiac output, which is critical in managing shock.
Choice D reason: A respiratory rate of 14/min is within the normal range for adults and is not an indication to increase dopamine dosage. The respiratory rate should be monitored for changes that could indicate worsening of the client's condition, but on its own, it does not dictate adjustments to dopamine therapy.
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