The patient is being treated for cancer with weekly radiation therapy to the head and chemotherapy treatments. Which assessment is the priority?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The oral cavity is the priority. Radiation to the head reduces salivary flow and lowers pH of saliva, leading to stomatitis and tooth decay, while chemotherapy drugs kill the normal cells lining the oral cavity, leading to ulcers and inflammation. While the feet, nail beds, and perineum are important, they are not as affected as the oral cavity with head or neck radiation and chemotherapy.

The Patient Is Being Treated for Cancer with Weekly Radiation