NCLEX-PN

●​ Skin Cancer Awareness: Educating clients about the signs of skin cancer, emphasizing vigilance for changes in skin appearance, and recognizing possible precancerous lesions like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and multiple myeloma. Managing Side Effects of Radiation Therapy: As discussed in the section titled "Assessing clients for Adverse Effects of Radiation Therapy," radiation therapy can result in various short-term and long-term side effects, including alopecia (hair loss), skin and mucosal damage, dry mouth, bone marrow suppression, and more. Additionally, gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia can affect the client's nutritional status. Nurses implement a range of interventions to address these side effects: ●​ Alopecia (Hair Loss) ○​ Psychological Support: Providing emotional support for changes in body image. ○​ Hair Care: Advising clients on maintaining hair with gentle care, using mild shampoos. ○​ Alternative Solutions: Exploring options like wigs, hairpieces, and cold caps for hair protection. ○​ Sun Protection: Encouraging the use of hats to protect the scalp from the sun. ●​ Skin Damage ○​ Topical Lubricants: Recommending skin lubricants and lidocaine for comfort. ○​ Individualized Treatment: Assessing the severity of skin damage to determine appropriate treatment. ●​ Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) ○​ Medications: Administering preventive medications like amifostine or salivary gland stimulants. ○​ Oral Care: Encouraging the use of sugar-free hard candies, gum, and mouth rinses to alleviate dry mouth. ○​ Humidifier: Using a cool mist humidifier for additional relief. ●​ Mucosal Damage ○​ Pain Relief: Administering mouthwash with lidocaine for pain relief. ○​ Oral Rinse: Recommending rinsing with a baking soda and salt mixture. ○​ Medications: Providing mild over-the-counter analgesics as needed. ○​ Diet Modification: Suggesting a bland food diet and reducing denture use when applicable.

603

© 2025 ACHIEVE ULTIMATE CREDIT-BY-EXAM GUIDE | NCLEX-PN ​

​

​

​

​