CPHON Radiation Therapy in Pediatric Oncology 2

Question 1

Regarding radiation safety, which statement is correct about pregnant nurses and patients receiving internal brachytherapy implants?

Accepted Answer

Pregnant nurses should avoid caring for patients with active brachytherapy implants entirely

Answer

Pregnant nurses may care for these patients if they stand at least 1 foot away

Answer

Pregnant nurses may care for these patients as long as contact is under 30 minutes

Answer

Pregnant nurses only need to wear a lead apron during direct care

Question 2

A child who received cranial radiation therapy at age 4 is most at risk for which long-term neurocognitive deficit?

Accepted Answer

Decline in processing speed and working memory

Answer

Expressive aphasia and language loss

Answer

Bilateral hearing loss

Answer

Visual field deficits requiring glasses

Question 3

Which skin care instruction should the nurse provide to parents of a child receiving radiation therapy to the chest?

Accepted Answer

Gently cleanse the area with mild, unscented soap and lukewarm water

Answer

Apply any commercial moisturizer generously to the treated area twice daily

Answer

Use heating pads to soothe discomfort in the treated area

Answer

Apply petroleum jelly to the skin immediately before each treatment session

Question 4

Radiation therapy directed to the thorax in a pediatric oncology patient most commonly causes which acute pulmonary complication?

Accepted Answer

Radiation pneumonitis

Answer

Pulmonary fibrosis

Answer

Spontaneous pneumothorax

Answer

Massive pleural effusion

Question 5

What is the priority nursing assessment for a child who has received total body irradiation (TBI) as part of a bone marrow transplant conditioning regimen?

Accepted Answer

Monitor for acute radiation syndrome including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and mucositis

Answer

Monitor for hair loss and scalp irritation

Answer

Assess for signs of hepatic veno-occlusive disease only

Answer

Evaluate for weight gain and fluid retention

Question 6

Which dietary recommendation is most appropriate for a child experiencing radiation-induced mucositis affecting the mouth and throat?

Accepted Answer

Soft, bland, cool foods that minimize irritation and are easy to swallow

Answer

High-fiber foods to promote bowel motility and comfort

Answer

Spicy, highly seasoned foods to stimulate appetite

Answer

Carbonated beverages to keep the oral cavity moist

Question 7

A pediatric patient receiving abdominal radiation reports sudden onset of severe, worsening abdominal pain with a board-like rigid abdomen. What is the nurse's priority action?

Accepted Answer

Notify the physician immediately as this may indicate bowel perforation or obstruction

Answer

Administer the scheduled antiemetic and continue monitoring

Answer

Document loose stools as an expected radiation side effect

Answer

Apply a warm compress to the abdomen for comfort