A client with cancer is scheduled for radiation therapy. The nurse knows that radiation at any treatment site may cause a certain adverse effect. Therefore, the nurse should prepare the client to expect:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hair loss. Radiation therapy targets fast-growing cancer cells, which can also affect healthy cells such as those in hair follicles, leading to hair loss. This adverse effect occurs commonly with radiation therapy due to its impact on rapidly dividing cells. Hair loss is a well-known side effect that clients undergoing radiation therapy are often prepared for. The other choices, B: Fatigue, C: Stomatitis, and D: Vomiting, are also potential side effects of radiation therapy, but hair loss is specifically associated with radiation treatment due to its effect on hair follicles. Fatigue is a common side effect of cancer treatment in general, stomatitis is more commonly associated with chemotherapy, and vomiting can be a side effect of radiation but is not as directly linked as hair loss.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Avoiding using soap on the irradiated areas. Soap can irritate the skin and exacerbate the risk for impaired skin integrity in a client receiving radiation therapy. By avoiding soap, we minimize the risk of skin breakdown and promote skin healing. B: Applying talcum powder can actually worsen skin irritation and should be avoided. C: Wearing a lead apron is not relevant to the nursing diagnosis of risk for impaired skin integrity. D: Removing thoracic skin markings is not necessary for skin integrity and may disrupt the treatment plan.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Asymmetry. The ABCD method is a mnemonic used for assessing skin lesions for possible skin cancer. The A in ABCD stands for Asymmetry, indicating that the lesion is not symmetrical in shape or color. Skin cancers often exhibit asymmetrical features. Actinic (Choice A) refers to sun damage, Arcus (Choice B) is a term related to the eye, and Assessment (Choice D) is a general term that does not specifically relate to skin lesion evaluation. By focusing on asymmetry, healthcare providers can identify potential skin cancer lesions early for further evaluation and treatment.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Have a digital rectal examination and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test done yearly. This is because regular screening with both tests can help detect prostate cancer early. The digital rectal exam allows the doctor to feel for any abnormalities in the prostate gland, while the PSA test measures the levels of a specific protein produced by the prostate gland. If there are any concerning findings, further diagnostic tests can be done to confirm prostate cancer. Choice B is incorrect because transrectal ultrasound is not a recommended screening test for prostate cancer. Choice C is incorrect as testicular self-examinations are for detecting testicular cancer, not prostate cancer. Choice D is incorrect as CBC, BUN, and creatinine levels are not specific tests for prostate cancer screening.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: All of the above. Malignant melanoma, basal cell epithelioma, and squamous cell carcinoma are all forms of skin cancer associated with prolonged sun exposure. Melanoma is the deadliest form, originating in melanocytes; basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are more common but less aggressive. All three types can develop due to cumulative UV radiation exposure. Therefore, all options are correct in this context.