The clinic nurse is caring for a 42-year-old male oncology patient. He complains of extreme fatigue and weakness after his first week of radiation therapy. Which response by the nurse would best reassure this patient?
A) "These symptoms usually result from radiation therapy; however, we will continue to monitor your laboratory and X-ray studies."
B) "These symptoms are part of your disease and can't be helped."
C) "Don't be concerned about these symptoms. Everybody feels this way after having radiation therapy."
D) "This is a good sign. It means that only the cancer cells are dying."
Ans: A
Feedback: Fatigue and weakness result from radiation treatment and usually don't represent deterioration or disease progression. The symptoms associated with radiation therapy usually decrease after therapy ends. The symptoms may concern the patient and shouldn't be belittled. Radiation destroys both cancerous and normal cells.
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