Acute Radiation Side Effects Flashcards
Epilation/Alopecia
2000 - 3000 cGy cGy
Hair loss
Dry Desquamation
3000 - 4000 cGy
skin becomes dry and scaly due to destruction of sebaceous gland in the treatment area
Moist Desquamation
4000 - 6000 cGy
inflammation, edema, and blister formation and peeling of the epithelial layers of the skin
Mucositis
2000 - 3000 cGy
alteration in the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, which manifests as inflammation desquamation, and ulceration
Stomatitis
2000 - 3000 cGy
painful swelling and sore inside the mouth
“also called oral mucositis”
Early sign and synths of mucositis
- Dryness of mucous membrane
- Red, inflamed areas of the mucus membrane
- Presence of white or yellow membrane
- mild burning sensation
Late Sign and Symptoms of Mucositis
- Ulceration
- Necrotic tissue
- Pain
- Bleeding
Esophagitis
2000 - 3000 cGy
“esophagus inflammation”
(causes dysphagia - trouble swallowing)
Early signs and symptoms of Esophagitis
- Dysphagia - (trouble swallowing)
- Odynophagia - (painful swallowing)
- Haematemesis - (vomiting for or blood)
- chest pain
- Inflammation of the esophageal lining
Nausea
1000 - 2000 cGy
“occurs when the epithelial cells lining the esophagus, stomach, and /or intestine are destroyed in respsonse to radiation
Signs and symptoms of Nausea
- Usually begins 1 to 6 hours after radiation treatment
- Functioning dyspepsia - (queasy stomach)
- Eructation - (belching)
- Hyper salvation - (watery mouth)
- Sour Belch
Diarrhea/ Colic
2000 - 5000 cGy
“Epithelial cells in the large colon are destroyed in response to exposure
Symptoms of diarrhea
- Watery stool
* Frequent Bowel movement
Cystitis
3000 - 4000 cGy
Monitor for
•urinary retention - (difficulty urinating and completely emptying bladder)
•urgency
•frequency
•dysuria - (painful or difficult urination)
•nocturia/hematuria - (blood in urine)
“inflammation of the lining of the bladder”
Myelosuppression
a reduction in bone marrow function often results in -
•Anemia - ( decrease in peripheral red blood cell count)
•Leukopenia/Neutropenia - (decrease in WBC)
•Thrombocytopenia - (reduction in the number of circulating platelets)
