The nurse is providing care to a patient anticipating radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. Which of these would the nurse include in pretherapy education? (Select all that apply.?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pretherapy education for a patient anticipating radiation therapy for head and neck cancer should include visiting the dentist before therapy begins, using artificial saliva if the therapy causes drying of the mouth, and emphasizing the importance of good oral hygiene habits to prevent decay. Tooth decay occurs more frequently when oral tissues are dry, so it is not appropriate to tell the patient that decay occurs less frequently in dry conditions (choice C). Water is not an appropriate substitute for saliva as it does not have the same protective properties (choice D). Lastly, it is not necessary for all of the patient's teeth to be pulled before radiation therapy begins (choice F).

The Nurse Is Providing Care to a Patient Anticipating Radiation