Final answer:
The correct statement indicating understanding of radiation therapy instructions is, "I will use my hands rather than a washcloth to clean the radiation area." This reflects the need to preserve treatment marks and avoid irritating the skin during the treatment process.
Step-by-step explanation:
Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, is a cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. The correctness of the patient's statement about radiation therapy instructions suggests an understanding of the care required during and after treatment. The statement, "I will use my hands rather than a washcloth to clean the radiation area," indicates an understanding of the instructions given to a patient undergoing radiation therapy. This is because it is important to maintain the integrity of the treatment area to ensure that the precise location of radiation can be consistently targeted. Washing off the ink markings or using an abrasive washcloth can interfere with the treatment.
Using a heating pad on sore areas is not recommended as it can irritate the skin further. As for sun exposure, it is generally advised to protect the skin from the sun during and after radiation therapy for a specific period as the skin is more sensitive; hence, one month may not be enough time for recovery.