The nurse is caring for a client receiving radiation therapy for treatment of oral cancer. Which new finding is the greatest concern?
Stomatitis
Stridor
Nausea
Xerostomia
The Correct Answer is B
A. Stomatitis is a common side effect of radiation therapy for oral cancer, and while it requires management, it is not immediately life-threatening.
B. Stridor indicates potential airway obstruction, which is a critical and urgent condition that requires immediate intervention, making it the greatest concern among the options presented.
C. Nausea is a typical side effect of cancer treatment but is usually manageable and not considered an immediate threat.
D. Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is another common side effect of radiation to the head and neck, but it is not as urgent as the risk of airway compromise indicated by stridor.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A profound feeling of tiredness is a common side effect of radiation therapy due to fatigue caused by the treatment itself and the body's response to cancer.
B. Renal impairment is not a typical direct side effect of radiation therapy for esophageal cancer; it is more commonly associated with treatments targeting the kidneys or systemic therapies.
C. Expectoration of frothy sputum may indicate pulmonary issues or fluid overload but is not a common side effect specifically related to radiation therapy for esophageal cancer.
D. Development of bone marrow suppression is possible but less common specifically with radiation therapy compared to chemotherapy, which is more directly associated with this side effect.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. While limiting emesis is important in cancer treatment, combination chemotherapy primarily focuses on improving efficacy and minimizing toxicities, not specifically targeting nausea and vomiting episodes.
B. Combination chemotherapy can actually increase the risk of neutropenia due to the cumulative effects of multiple agents, as each may independently lower white blood cell counts.
C. Decreasing time intervals between remission is not a primary goal of combination chemotherapy; rather, it aims to achieve better overall treatment outcomes.
D. The main rationale for using combination chemotherapy is to broaden the range of cancer cell kill through different mechanisms of action while minimizing the side effects associated with higher doses of a single agent. This approach can improve treatment efficacy and reduce the likelihood of resistance.
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