Final answer:
A nurse should monitor for changes in the production of saliva, bone marrow suppression, and less likely, radiation enteritis or malabsorption of nutrients in a patient receiving radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse caring for a patient who has undergone a radical head and neck resection for cancer treatment and is receiving radiation therapy should monitor for several potential adverse effects. One key effect associated with radiation is changes in the production of saliva, which can lead to dry mouth and tooth decay. Moreover, radiation can lead to bone marrow suppression, resulting in a reduction of white and red blood cells. This causes immunity disorders and anemia, respectively. Finally, radiation-induced enteritis and malabsorption of nutrients are less likely in this specific scenario, as these effects are more commonly associated with radiation therapy to abdominal or pelvic areas.
Medications such as special mouthwashes can alleviate symptoms of dry mouth. It is essential to monitor for these adverse effects to provide appropriate supportive care and maintain the patient's quality of life during treatment.