Which side effect of radiation therapy will the nurse anticipate in a patient who has laryngeal cancer?
Blistering burns
Diarrhea
Dry mouth
Nausea
The Correct Answer is C
A. Blistering burns are not a typical side effect of radiation therapy for laryngeal cancer. Radiation burns can occur on the skin, but they are more likely to cause irritation and redness rather than blistering burns, especially in the case of internal radiation targeting the larynx.
B. Diarrhea is a common side effect of radiation therapy when the abdominal or pelvic areas are treated, but it is not typically associated with radiation therapy to the larynx.
C. Dry mouth (xerostomia) is a common side effect of radiation therapy for laryngeal cancer, as the salivary glands may be affected by the radiation. This results in reduced saliva production, leading to a dry mouth.
D. Nausea is not a typical side effect of radiation therapy for laryngeal cancer specifically, though it may occur if other areas (such as the stomach) are being treated. Nausea is more commonly associated with chemotherapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A total laryngectomy involves the removal of the larynx, which can impact both the ability to smell and taste. This is due to the altered airflow and the loss of normal sensory processes. Explaining this to the patient is an appropriate response.
B. While offering to provide preferred foods may seem empathetic, it does not address the underlying issue, which is the loss of taste and smell due to the surgery.
C. Telling the client that hospital food is often tasteless does not address the patient's specific condition and may seem dismissive of their concerns.
D. While it might be helpful for the family to bring food, the nurse should first address the reason for the altered taste perception and educate the patient accordingly.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "It is caused by the lack of production of insulin by the pancreas.": This is incorrect. The lack of insulin production causes diabetes mellitus, not Addison’s disease. Addison’s disease results from insufficient production of adrenal hormones, particularly aldosterone and cortisol.
B. "It is caused by the overproduction of parathormone by the parathyroid gland.": This is incorrect. Parathormone is produced by the parathyroid glands and regulates calcium balance, but overproduction of parathormone leads to conditions such as hyperparathyroidism, not Addison’s disease.
C. "It is caused by the lack of production of aldosterone by the adrenal gland.": This is correct. Addison’s disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency, is caused by the inability of the adrenal glands to produce sufficient aldosterone and cortisol, two critical hormones. Aldosterone helps regulate sodium and potassium balance, and cortisol helps the body respond to stress.
D. "It is caused by the overproduction of growth hormone by the pituitary gland.": This is incorrect. Overproduction of growth hormone causes acromegaly or gigantism, not Addison’s disease. Addison’s disease results from adrenal insufficiency, not pituitary gland dysfunction.
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