A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is to begin external radiation therapy for cancer. Which of the following information should the nurse include?
"You might experience altered taste sensations."
"Use rubbing alcohol to remove the ink markings."
"Wear a binder over the radiation site."
"Wash your skin thoroughly with a washcloth after each treatment."
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
"You might experience altered taste sensations" is the correct statement. When providing teaching to a client about to undergo external radiation therapy for cancer, the nurse should include information about potential side effects and what to expect during the treatment. One common side effect of radiation therapy, especially when the treatment is focused on or near the head and neck region, is altered taste sensations. Radiation can affect the taste buds and lead to changes in how foods taste.
Choice B reason:
"Use rubbing alcohol to remove the ink markings. “The statement is incorrect. The ink markings made on the client's skin are used as reference points for the radiation therapy treatment. It is essential not to remove these markings, as they are crucial for accurate positioning during each treatment session. The nurse should instruct the client not to tamper with the markings, and the radiation therapy team will remove them when they are no longer needed.
Choice C reason:
"Wear a binder over the radiation site." The statement is incorrect. Wearing a binder over the radiation site is not a standard practice during external radiation therapy. The client should be instructed to follow the specific guidelines provided by the radiation therapy team regarding clothing and positioning during treatments. The use of binders or other tight clothing over the treatment area may not be recommended, as it can cause discomfort or interfere with the delivery of radiation.
Choice D reason
"Wash your skin thoroughly with a washcloth after each treatment." Is incorrect statement. During radiation therapy, the skin in the treatment area can become sensitive. It is essential for the client to follow the specific instructions provided by the radiation therapy team regarding skin care. Generally, the client should avoid using harsh soaps or scrubbing the skin vigorously. Instead, they should gently cleanse the area with a mild soap or as directed by their healthcare providers.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. “The more my baby is at the breast sucking, the more milk I will produce.” This statement indicates an understanding of the teaching because it reflects the principle of supply and demand in breastfeeding. The more the baby stimulates the breast, the more milk the mother will produce.
Choice B is wrong because manually expressing milk will not decrease the milk supply. In fact, it can help increase the milk supply by removing more milk from the breast and signaling the body to make more.
Choice C is wrong because the breast is not emptied after 5 to 10 minutes of feeding. The baby should be allowed to nurse until they are satisfied and show signs of fullness, such as releasing the nipple, falling asleep, or turning away from the breast. The average duration of a feeding session can vary from 10 to 45 minutes.
Choice D is wrong because the baby should not always start on the same breast when feeding. The mother should alternate which breast she offers first to ensure both breasts are stimulated and drained equally.
This can help prevent engorgement, mastitis, and low milk supply. A simple way to remember which breast to start with is to wear a bracelet or a clip on the bra strap on the side that needs to be offered next.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
"Plan to take this medication with food." Is the correct statement. When providing instructions to an older adult client who has a seizure disorder and is prescribed phenytoin (an antiepileptic or anticonvulsant medication), the nurse should advise the client to take the medication with food. Phenytoin can cause gastrointestinal irritation, and taking it with food can help minimize this side effect.
Choice B reason:
"Plan to take this medication with antacids. “is not the appropriate instruction. Phenytoin should not be taken with antacids. Antacids can reduce the absorption of phenytoin, leading to decreased effectiveness of the medication. If antacids are needed for other reasons, they should be taken at least 2 hours before or after taking phenytoin.
Choice C reason:
"Limit foods that contain vitamin D while taking this medication. “This is not inappropriate instruction. There is no specific requirement to limit foods containing vitamin D while taking phenytoin. However, phenytoin may decrease the absorption of vitamin D, which could potentially affect the client's vitamin D levels. Therefore, it is essential for the client to have regular check-ups and possibly discuss the need for vitamin D supplementation with their healthcare provider.
Choice D reason:
"Limit foods that contain folic acid while taking this medication. “This is not the correct statement. Phenytoin can interfere with the absorption of folic acid (a B-vitamin). Long-term use of phenytoin may lead to folic acid deficiency. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the client to consume foods rich in folic acid and discuss the potential need for folic acid supplementation with their healthcare provider.
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