A patient who is receiving radiation therapy for lung cancer complains of ongoing fatigue. What should be included in the teaching for this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fatigue is a common side effect of radiation therapy, but rest and good nutrition can help manage it. It is important to encourage the patient to take frequent rest periods and to maintain a healthy diet to alleviate fatigue. Option A is incorrect as fatigue from radiation therapy usually improves over weeks to months following treatment completion. Option B is incorrect as there are multiple ways to manage fatigue such as rest, exercise, and nutrition. Option D is incorrect as restricting caloric intake can worsen fatigue and impact overall health.

A Patient Who Is Receiving Radiation Therapy for Lung Cancer