A client is receiving external radiation to the neck for cancer of larynx. The most likely side effect to be expected is?

Appeared in: AIIMS Bhatinda NO - 2019

Explanation

External radiation to the neck directly exposes the mucous membranes of the pharynx and larynx to its effects.
Radiation damages rapidly dividing cells, which includes both cancer cells and the healthy epithelial cells lining the throat.
This cellular damage leads to an inflammatory response called mucositis, which causes symptoms of a sore throat, pain, and redness.
Mucositis is one of the most common and predictable acute side effects of head and neck radiation.

Option A: Constipation is a gastrointestinal side effect and is not directly caused by radiation to the neck.
Option B: While possible, dyspnoea (difficulty breathing) is a less common and more severe complication of neck radiation, usually indicating significant laryngeal edema.
Option D: Diarrhoea is a gastrointestinal side effect related to the irritation of the bowel lining.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Side effects of radiation therapy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must assess patients undergoing neck radiation for signs of mucositis, such as pain, redness, and difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
Patient education is crucial, focusing on gentle oral hygiene, avoiding irritants (e.g., spicy foods, alcohol, tobacco), and maintaining hydration and nutrition.
Pain management with topical anesthetics or systemic analgesics is a key nursing intervention to improve patient comfort and ability to eat.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core components of the question: the treatment (external radiation), the location (neck), and the condition (laryngeal cancer).
Think about the anatomy of the neck. It contains the larynx, pharynx, esophagus, and salivary glands.
Consider the mechanism of radiation therapy: it damages rapidly dividing cells. The lining of the throat (mucous membrane) is made of such cells.
Based on this, predict the most direct and common local tissue reaction. Damage to the throat lining will cause inflammation and pain, which is experienced as a sore throat (mucositis).
Evaluate the other options. Constipation and diarrhoea are GI effects, unlikely with neck radiation. Dyspnoea is a more severe, less common complication. Therefore, a sore throat is the most likely side effect.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Side effects of radiation therapy
Stem keywords: external radiation, neck, cancer of larynx, side effect
Lead-in keywords: most likely
Clinical cues: Location of radiation (neck) is the key to determining the most probable local side effect.

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E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 2 Part 3 p. 1-3

E6 Textbook of Biochemistry for medical StudentsDM Vasudevan Part 2 — Subpart B (pp 240-463 of 478) p. 180-182

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Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.