External-beam radiation is planned for a patient with cervical cancer. What instructions should the nurse give to the patient to prevent complications from the effects of the radiation?
a. Test all stools for the presence of blood.
b. Maintain a high-residue, high-fiber diet.
c. Clean the perianal area carefully after every bowel movement.
d. Inspect the mouth and throat daily for the appearance of thrush.
ANS: C
Radiation to the abdomen will affect organs in the radiation path, such as the bowel, and cause frequent diarrhea. Careful cleaning of this area will help decrease the risk for skin breakdown and infection. Stools are likely to have occult blood from the inflammation associated with radiation, so routine testing of stools for blood is not indicated. Radiation to the abdomen will not cause stomatitis. A low-residue diet is recommended to avoid irritation of the bowel when patients receive abdominal radiation.
You might also like to view...
A nurse works on a postoperative care unit and sees many patients who have orthopedic surgery. One patient complains of significantly more pain than the other postoperative patients usually do. What action by the nurse is best?
a. Explain to the patient that so much pain is not reasonable. b. Ask the patient to rate and describe the pain. c. Give the patient pain medications as prescribed. d. Call the provider and request an extra dose of pain medication.
Alendronate (Fosamax) is prescribed for a 67-year-old postmenopausal woman. In order to help prevent gastrointestinal distress, the nurse will advise the patient to
A) stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate.. B) avoid drinking water with the drug. C) lift weights in the gym at least five times a week. D) take calcium and vitamin D supplements.
Which of the following statements is true of diabetes insipidus (DI)?
A. Treatment of hypothalamic DI mainly involves replacement therapy with endogenic vasopressin. B. Central DI is caused by a resistance to ADH in the kidney. C. Diabetes insipidus is not related to the other hormone deficiency condition, diabetes mellitus. D. Nephrogenic DI is caused by a decreased secretion of ADH.
List three priority problems related to the care of M.M. in his current situation
What will be an ideal response?