Question

Which nursing intervention would help to decrease the adverse effects of radiation therapy on the gastrointestinal tract?

Answer 1

The options were
A) Avoiding the use of antispasmodics.
B) Encouraging fluids and soft diet.
C) Giving antiemetic when nausea and vomiting occurs.
D) Avoiding mouth wash to prevent irritation of mouth ulcers.
The answer is B) Encouraging fluids and soft diet.
Gastrointestinal tract radiation therapy is used to cure gastrointestinal cancers.There is said to be some late effect of these radiation therapy which hasn't been studied yet. In these therapies patients tend to feel nauseous and vomiting. So the nurse should make sure that the patient has a diet according to it so he doesn't feel like that.

Answer 2

radiation therapy can lead to some of serious symptoms such as mucosal ulceration, nausea, vomiting, anorexia and diarrhea. encouraging fluids and soft food helps to reduce anorexia. antiemetics are important and should be given before nausea starts. antispasmodics play important role in reducing diarrhea. on the other hand mouthwashes can be used to prevent mycosis