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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Moon face is typically associated with Cushing's syndrome, not acromegaly, which is characterized by changes in the hands, feet, and facial features rather than a rounded, moon-shaped face.
B. Enlarged distal extremities (hands and feet) are classic symptoms of acromegaly due to excessive growth hormone production.
C. Hepatomegaly (enlarged liver) is a common finding in acromegaly due to the overproduction of growth hormone, which affects organ size.
D. Coarse facial features (such as a protruding jaw, enlarged nose, and thickened lips) are a hallmark of acromegaly, resulting from the overgrowth of soft tissues.
E. Loss of color discrimination is not typically associated with acromegaly and may be seen in other conditions affecting the optic nerve or eye, but it is not a key symptom of acromegaly.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. While documenting the amount of drainage is important, it is not the most urgent action when clear drainage is observed after a transsphenoidal hypophysectomy.
B. Notifying the provider is important but should not be the first step. The nurse should first assess the nature of the drainage, as it could indicate a serious complication, such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage.
C. A culture may be necessary if infection is suspected, but the priority action is to assess whether the drainage is CSF.
D. Checking the drainage for glucose is the most appropriate initial action. Clear drainage from the nasal packing could indicate a CSF leak, which is a complication that can occur after transsphenoidal surgery. CSF contains glucose, so testing for glucose in the drainage will help determine if it is CSF. If glucose is detected, the nurse should immediately notify the provider, as CSF leakage requires prompt intervention.
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