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 C
Explanation
A. Furosemide is a diuretic that is used to reduce fluid overload and manage conditions like heart failure or kidney disease. It is not indicated in anaphylaxis.
B. Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid used for its anti-inflammatory properties and can be used in anaphylaxis to reduce inflammation and prevent delayed reactions. However, it is not the first-line treatment in acute anaphylactic shock.
C. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylactic shock. It works by rapidly reversing the effects of anaphylaxis, such as bronchoconstriction, vasodilation, and edema, by stimulating alpha and beta receptors. Epinephrine should be administered as soon as anaphylaxis is suspected to stabilize the patient’s condition.
D. Dobutamine is a medication used to manage shock by increasing cardiac output, but it is not used in the management of anaphylactic shock. The priority is epinephrine to reverse the anaphylactic response.
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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