A nurse discusses the self-care guidelines to minimize the side effects of radiation on the skin. Which self-care instructions can the nurse provide the client receiving radiation? [Select all that apply.]
Use a razor to shave the hair in the treated area.
Wash treated area gently with lukewarm water and mild soap.
Purchase aloe approved skin-care products
Wear loose-fitting, soft clothing over the treated skin.
Sun tan the affected area for no more than 30 minutes a day
Correct Answer : B,C,D
A) Use a razor to shave the hair in the treated area:
Shaving the treated area with a razor is not recommended during radiation therapy. The skin in the treated area becomes sensitive and fragile, so shaving could cause irritation, cuts, or abrasions. Instead, clients are usually advised to use electric razors or avoid shaving the area altogether. This instruction should not be followed to minimize the risk of injury.
B) Wash treated area gently with lukewarm water and mild soap:
This is a key self-care instruction for clients receiving radiation. Gentle cleansing with lukewarm water and mild soap helps to avoid further irritation to the skin, which can become dry and sensitive during radiation therapy. The treated area should not be scrubbed or rubbed, as this can cause damage to the skin, exacerbate dryness, or cause skin breakdown. This guideline is appropriate and should be followed.
C) Purchase aloe-approved skin-care products:
Using aloe vera or skin-care products approved for use during radiation therapy can help soothe and moisturize the skin, which often becomes dry, irritated, or sunburned from radiation. It is important to use products that are specifically designed for use during radiation to avoid any potential irritants or allergens. Aloe-based products or products recommended by the healthcare provider can provide relief and reduce side effects.
D) Wear loose-fitting, soft clothing over the treated skin:
Wearing loose-fitting, soft clothing is a crucial self-care recommendation for clients undergoing radiation. Tight or rough fabrics can irritate the sensitive skin, potentially leading to discomfort or skin breakdown. Soft fabrics like cotton are ideal, as they allow the skin to breathe and help avoid further friction or pressure on the treated area. This is an important aspect of skin protection during radiation therapy.
E) Sun tan the affected area for no more than 30 minutes a day:
Sun tanning or exposing the treated skin to direct sunlight is strictly forbidden during and after radiation therapy. The skin in the treated area is much more sensitive to UV radiation and can burn easily, even with minimal sun exposure. It can increase the risk of skin damage and delayed healing. The client should be advised to avoid direct sun exposure entirely and to wear protective clothing and sunscreen if they must be outdoors.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Improved bladder function:
Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, has anticholinergic properties, meaning it blocks acetylcholine, which can cause side effects like urinary retention and dry mouth. While it may increase urinary retention, it is not primarily used to treat bladder function issues in Parkinson's disease.
B) Relief of depression:
Diphenhydramine is not prescribed for the treatment of depression in Parkinson's disease. It is an antihistamine used to treat allergic reactions and motion sickness, and sometimes for its anticholinergic effects in Parkinson's disease. While it may cause sedation, it does not address the neurochemical imbalances in the brain that cause depression, which is often treated with antidepressants such as SSRIs or SNRIs.
C) Decreased tremors:
Diphenhydramine has anticholinergic properties, which can help reduce tremors in patients with Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is associated with a dopamine deficit, but acetylcholine also plays a role in motor control. The use of anticholinergic medications, such as diphenhydramine, can help restore balance between dopamine and acetylcholine in the brain, leading to decreased tremors.
D) Delay in disease progression:
There is no evidence that diphenhydramine can delay the progression of Parkinson's disease. The disease is caused by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, and current treatments, such as levodopa/carbidopa or dopamine agonists, primarily aim to manage symptoms rather than prevent progression.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Synchronized cardioversion: Synchronized cardioversion is indicated for unstable supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), especially when the client shows signs of hemodynamic instability, such as hypotension, altered mental status, or chest pain. This intervention delivers a timed shock to restore normal rhythm, prioritizing the client's immediate stabilization.
B. Adenosine infusion over 30 minutes: Adenosine is typically administered as a rapid intravenous push to terminate SVT by temporarily blocking atrioventricular nodal conduction. However, this client is unstable, and synchronized cardioversion is the preferred intervention in cases of hemodynamic compromise.
C. Immediate defibrillation: Defibrillation is used for life-threatening arrhythmias like ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. In this case, the rhythm is SVT, and the client is not in cardiac arrest, so defibrillation is inappropriate.
D. Vagal maneuvers: Vagal maneuvers, such as carotid sinus massage or the Valsalva maneuver, are first-line interventions for stable SVT. However, in unstable clients with severe symptoms or hemodynamic compromise, these measures are insufficient, and synchronized cardioversion is urgently required.
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