OCN Radiation Therapy Nursing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient receiving radiation therapy to the head and neck region develops painful ulcerations of the oral mucosa. Which condition does this describe?
- Radiation recall dermatitis
- Mucositis (Correct answer)
- Xerostomia
- Radiation pneumonitis
Correct answer: Mucositis
Mucositis is inflammation and ulceration of the mucosal lining caused by radiation damage to rapidly dividing epithelial cells in the mouth and throat.
Question 2: Which CBC finding is most important to monitor in a patient receiving pelvic radiation therapy?
- Elevated white blood cell count
- Thrombocytosis
- Decreased hemoglobin, white blood cells, and platelets (Correct answer)
- Elevated eosinophil count
Correct answer: Decreased hemoglobin, white blood cells, and platelets
Pelvic radiation affects the bone marrow in pelvic bones, leading to myelosuppression with decreases in red cells, white cells, and platelets.
Question 3: A patient who completed chest radiation 6 weeks ago presents with fever, dry cough, and dyspnea. Which radiation complication is most likely?
- Radiation esophagitis
- Radiation pneumonitis (Correct answer)
- Radiation dermatitis
- Pericarditis
Correct answer: Radiation pneumonitis
Radiation pneumonitis typically occurs 1–3 months after chest irradiation and presents with fever, dry cough, and dyspnea due to inflammatory lung damage.
Question 4: A nurse is caring for a patient with a low-dose rate (LDR) cervical brachytherapy implant. Which safety precaution is most important?
- Instruct visitors to stand at the foot of the bed as far as possible
- Limit time near the patient and keep distance; pregnant visitors and children should not visit (Correct answer)
- Double-glove and wear an N95 mask when entering the room
- Ensure the patient wears lead shielding at all times
Correct answer: Limit time near the patient and keep distance; pregnant visitors and children should not visit
Radiation safety for LDR brachytherapy requires limiting time and maximizing distance from the radioactive source; pregnant women and children are especially restricted to protect them from radiation exposure.
Question 5: What is the most appropriate dietary recommendation for a patient experiencing radiation-induced diarrhea from pelvic irradiation?
- High-fiber diet with increased raw vegetables and whole grains
- Low-residue, low-fat diet avoiding raw fruits, vegetables, and dairy (Correct answer)
- High-protein diet with increased red meat intake
- Liquid-only diet for the duration of radiation treatment
Correct answer: Low-residue, low-fat diet avoiding raw fruits, vegetables, and dairy
A low-residue, low-fat diet reduces bowel stimulation and stool frequency, easing radiation-induced diarrhea by decreasing the bulk that passes through the irritated bowel.
Question 6: Why are immobilization devices (e.g., thermoplastic masks, body molds) used during radiation therapy?
- To protect the patient's skin from radiation burns
- To ensure reproducible patient positioning for each treatment fraction (Correct answer)
- To shield critical organs from the radiation beam
- To reduce radiation scatter to surrounding staff
Correct answer: To ensure reproducible patient positioning for each treatment fraction
Immobilization devices hold the patient in the exact same position for every treatment fraction, ensuring the radiation beam targets the tumor consistently throughout the course of therapy.
Question 7: A patient receiving whole-brain radiation therapy reports significant fatigue. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
- Encourage the patient to push through fatigue and maintain a normal activity schedule
- Advise complete bed rest for the entire duration of radiation treatment
- Teach energy conservation strategies and encourage light activity balanced with rest (Correct answer)
- Refer immediately to the hematology team for erythropoietin therapy
Correct answer: Teach energy conservation strategies and encourage light activity balanced with rest
Energy conservation techniques and a balance of activity and rest are the evidence-based first-line approach for managing radiation-induced fatigue without unnecessary deconditioning.
OCN Radiation Therapy Nursing 2
A patient receiving radiation therapy to the head and neck region develops painful ulcerations of the oral mucosa.
Which condition does this describe?