Author Question: A patient is scheduled to receive a course of external radiation therapy for cancer treatment. What ... (Read 55 times)

future617RT · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A patient is scheduled to receive a course of external radiation therapy for cancer treatment. What should the nurse instruct the patient about this therapy?

1. Wash the radiation site with plain water and no soap.
2. Shave the treated area with a straight razor.
3. Apply ice packs to the treatment site to help reduce pain.
4. Use a sunscreen for three months after the conclusion of the treatments.

Question 2

A patient diagnosed with breast cancer is receiving 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU). Based on the knowledge of this medication, and anticipated adverse effects or side effects, what action should the nurse perform?

1. Test stool for occult blood.
2. Monitor ECG.
3. Assess lung sounds.
4. Encourage daily fluid intake of 23 liters.

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

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
The nurse should instruct the patient to wash the skin that is marked as the radiation site only with plain water, no soap; do not apply deodorant, lotions, medications, perfume, or talcum powder to the site during the treatment period. If necessary, use only an electric razor to shave the treated area. Apply neither heat nor cold to the treatment site. Protect skin from sun exposure during treatment and for at least one year after radiation therapy is discontinued. Cover skin with protective clothing during treatment; once radiation is discontinued, use sun-blocking agents with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1
Assessing for bleeding by checking stool for occult blood is recommended when receiving 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU). Monitoring the ECG is recommended in patients receiving antitumor antibiotics. Assessing lung sounds is recommended in patients receiving alkylating agents. Encouraging a daily fluid intake of 23 liters is recommended also for patients receiving alkylating agents.