The Clinic Nurse Is Caring for a 42-Year-Old Male Oncology

The clinic nurse is caring for a 42-year-old male oncology patient. He complains of extreme fatigue and weakness after his first week of radiation therapy. Which response by the nurse would best reassure this patient?

A) These symptoms usually result from radiation therapy; however, we will continue to monitor your laboratory and x-ray studies.
B) These symptoms are part of your disease and are an unfortunately inevitable part of living with cancer.
C) Try not to be concerned about these symptoms. Every patient feels this way after having radiation therapy.
D) Even though it is uncomfortable, this is a good sign. It means that only the cancer cells are dying.