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: Asking if the client feels like they have food stuck at the base of their throat is a pertinent question for assessing swallowing in a client with oral achalasia. Achalasia is characterized by difficulty in swallowing due to the inability of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, leading to a sensation of food being stuck.
Choice B reason: While burning sensations in the throat can be associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), they are not specific to achalasia. However, some clients with achalasia may experience similar symptoms due to food stasis and fermentation in the esophagus.
Choice C reason: Feelings of fullness in the neck are not a typical symptom of achalasia. Achalasia primarily affects the esophagus and does not usually cause a sensation of fullness in the neck.
Choice D reason: Pain while swallowing, or odynophagia, can occur in achalasia but is more commonly associated with conditions that cause inflammation or irritation of the esophagus, such as infections or ingestion of irritants.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason : A blood pressure of 138/76 mm Hg is within the higher range of normal and is not typically considered an adverse effect of metoprolol, which is used to lower blood pressure.
Choice B reason : A temperature of 36.3°C (97.3°F) is within the normal range and is not an adverse effect of metoprolol.
Choice C reason : A heart rate of 48/min is considered bradycardia and can be an adverse effect of metoprolol, which is a beta-blocker that can slow down the heart rate.
Choice D reason : A respiratory rate of 10/min is on the lower end of the normal range but is not a typical adverse effect of metoprolol. However, if the patient shows signs of respiratory distress, it should be addressed.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today