COCN Radiation Therapy Nursing

Question 1

What is the most common acute side effect of radiation therapy?

Accepted Answer

Skin reactions (radiation dermatitis) in the treatment field

Answer

Radiation dermatitis occurs in the treatment field and ranges from mild erythema to moist desquamation, depending on the dose, fractionation schedule, and treatment site location.

Question 2

What nursing assessment is critical for patients receiving radiation therapy to the head and neck?

Accepted Answer

Oral mucosa assessment, swallowing ability, and nutritional status

Answer

Head and neck radiation commonly causes oral mucositis, xerostomia, dysphagia, and taste changes, making regular oral assessment, swallowing evaluation, and nutritional monitoring essential nursing responsibilities.

Question 3

What is radiation recall and when does it occur?

Accepted Answer

An inflammatory reaction in a previously irradiated area triggered by certain chemotherapy drugs

Answer

Radiation recall is an acute inflammatory reaction in a previously irradiated tissue area that occurs when certain chemotherapy agents (like doxorubicin or gemcitabine) are administered, sometimes weeks to months after radiation.

Question 4

What is brachytherapy and how does it differ from external beam radiation?

Accepted Answer

Radiation delivered from a source placed inside or next to the tumor, versus from a machine outside the body

Answer

Brachytherapy involves placing radioactive sources directly inside or adjacent to the tumor (intracavitary, interstitial, or surface), delivering high-dose radiation to the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.

Question 5

What radiation safety precautions must nurses follow when caring for patients with sealed radioactive implants?

Accepted Answer

Minimize time near the patient, maximize distance, and use shielding

Answer

The three principles of radiation protection — time (minimize exposure time), distance (maximize distance from the source), and shielding (use lead barriers when available) — apply when caring for patients with sealed radioactive implants.

COCN Test Practice Test

COCN Test Practice Test

COCN Radiation Therapy Nursing