What instructions should the nurse give to a patient with cervical cancer who is planned to receive external-beam radiation to prevent complications from the effects of the radiation?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Clean the perianal area carefully after every bowel movement. This is important to prevent skin breakdown and infection due to the potential side effect of radiation-induced diarrhea. By maintaining good hygiene in the perianal area, the patient can reduce the risk of complications such as skin irritation and infection.
Choice A is incorrect because testing stools for the presence of blood is not directly related to preventing complications from external-beam radiation.
Choice B is incorrect because while a high-residue, high-fiber diet may be beneficial for some cancer patients, it is not specifically recommended to prevent complications from radiation therapy in this case.
Choice D is incorrect because inspecting the mouth and throat daily for thrush is more relevant for patients receiving chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy, not specifically for those undergoing external-beam radiation.