Author Question: A patient who is receiving radiation therapy for lung cancer complains of ongoing fatigue. What ... (Read 109 times)

crazycityslicker · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A patient who is receiving radiation therapy for lung cancer complains of ongoing fatigue. What should be included in the teaching for this patient?

1. This is a complication of radiation therapy and will continue for years.
2. There is nothing that can help the fatigue.
3. Frequent rest periods and good nutrition can help with the fatigue.
4. Restricting caloric intake often helps with the fatigue.

Question 2

A patient with lung cancer is demonstrating signs of complete tumor response after two courses of chemotherapy. What should the nurse conclude that this response indicates?

1. a long-term survival from the disease
2. an indication that radiation therapy is needed
3. an indication that surgery can be performed
4. a contraindication for further chemotherapy

Hikerman221 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 3
Adequate rest and nutrition are important to alleviate the symptoms of radiation fatigue, which is common in patients who are receiving radiation therapy for lung cancer. The fatigue is generally temporary. The fatigue effects due to radiation do not last for years, only during treatment. Restricting calories would only contribute to continued fatigue.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1
Fifty percent of patients with tumors at early stages achieve complete tumor remission with combination chemotherapy. When a complete tumor response is achieved in the first few cycles of chemotherapy, the chances for long-term survival are much greater. This finding does not indicate the need for radiation, surgery, or further chemotherapy.