Radiation

Question 1

Who should receive a vaginal dilator

Answer 1

Patients who have received pelvic radiation and have sex less than three times a week

Question 2

Who is at greatest risk for radiation skin changes?

Answer 2

Fair skin light eyes

Question 3

What happens to electrolytes when you have diarrhea?

Answer 3

Hypokalemia because of stills high content of potassium, of dehydration occurs decreased renal blood flow may result in calcium resorption causing increased calcium levels. Calcium and phosphorus have an inverse relationship making phosphorus levels low when calcium levels are high. Hypomagnesemia will also occur

Question 4

What is radiation recall?

Answer 4

When previously irradiated tissue that exhibited a skin reaction recurs in response to systemic chemo. Anthracyclines cause this the most

Question 5

Whole brain radiation can cause what?

Answer 5

Whole brain radiation can cause worsening of brain ca symptoms because of edema and tissue irritation from cancel cell destruction as soon as the first few hours after radiation. Treated with steroids

Question 6

When does permanent hair loss occur from radiation?

Answer 6

Totally cumulative dose of 45-55 Gy

Question 7

Signs of spinal cord compression

Answer 7

Back pain is the first signs, followed by muscle weakness, hyperreflexes are an early sign. Loss of vowel or bladder control is a late sign

Question 8

What is radiation pneumonitis?

Answer 8

Occurs 1-6 months after radiation to kings. Most likely occurs 2-3 months after. Treated with steroids

Question 9

Why does radiation cause edema?

Answer 9

Causes interstitial fibrosis of the lymphatic tissue.