Nokea
The nurse is caring for a patient who is to begin receiving external radiation for a malignant tumor of the neck. While providing patient education, what potential adverse effects should the nurse discuss with the patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Neck radiation hits the oral mucosa, salivary glands, and throat, causing mucositis, taste loss, pain, and dysphagia leading to impaired nutrition. Patients struggle to eat, risking weight loss and weakness, a top concern in head-and-neck cases. Cognitive changes tie to brain radiation, not neck. Diarrhea aligns with abdominal radiation, not this site. Alopecia occurs with whole-brain radiation, not localized neck treatment, where hair loss is minimal unless the scalp's in the field. Nurses must prep patients for these site-specific effects, ensuring dietary support (e.g., soft foods, supplements) to maintain strength through therapy, a key part of oncology care planning.