A patient undergoing external radiation has developed a dry ...

[ereecah]

A patient undergoing external radiation has developed a dry desquamation of the skin in the treatment area. The nurse teaches the patient about management of the skin reaction. Which statement, if made by the patient, indicates the teaching was effective?
 
  a. I can buy some aloe vera gel to use on the area.
  b. I will expose the treatment area to a sun lamp daily.
  c. I can use ice packs to relieve itching in the treatment area.
  d. I will scrub the area with warm water to remove the scales.

Question 2

External-beam radiation is planned for a patient with cervical cancer. What instructions should the nurse give to the patient to prevent complications from the effects of the radiation?
 
  a. Test all stools for the presence of blood.
  b. Maintain a high-residue, high-fiber diet.
  c. Clean the perianal area carefully after every bowel movement.
  d. Inspect the mouth and throat daily for the appearance of thrush.

[Melissahxx]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Aloe vera gel and cream may be used on the radiated skin area. Ice and sunlamps may injure the skin. Treatment areas should be cleaned gently to avoid further injury.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Radiation to the abdomen will affect organs in the radiation path, such as the bowel, and cause frequent diarrhea. Careful cleaning of this area will help decrease the risk for skin breakdown and infection. Stools are likely to have occult blood from the inflammation associated with radiation, so routine testing of stools for blood is not indicated. Radiation to the abdomen will not cause stomatitis. A low-residue diet is recommended to avoid irritation of the bowel when patients receive abdominal radiation.

[ereecah]

Excellent

[amandalm]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it