Question

The client has severe xerostomia as a result of the head and neck radiation therapy. The first cells to be damaged by the radiation therapy were the ________.

1) Salivary glands
2) Thyroid gland
3) Lymph nodes
4) Nerve cells

Answer 1

The salivary glands are the first to be damaged by head and neck radiation therapy, which leads to xerostomia, because they contain rapidly dividing cells that are more vulnerable to radiation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first cells to be damaged by the radiation therapy resulting in severe xerostomia (dry mouth) were the salivary glands. Because these glands have cells that divide rapidly, they are more susceptible to radiation damage. Salivation is a coordinated effort involving the facial and glossopharyngeal nerves, which initiate the secretion of saliva through a reflex arc and stimulation from the hypothalamus via sensory input like the sight and smell of food. When the salivary glands are damaged due to radiation, they may break down and become non-functional, leading to xerostomia.