A female client with cancer is scheduled for radiation therapy. The nurse knows that radiation at any treatment site may cause a certain adverse effect. Therefore, the nurse should prepare the client to expect:
A. Fatigue
B. Vomiting
C. Hair loss
D. Stomatitis
Correct Answer: A. Fatigue
Option A: Radiation therapy may cause fatigue, skin toxicities, and anorexia regardless of the treatment site. Fatigue occurs when the treatment damages and destroys not only the healthy cells but also the cancer cells.
Options B, C, and D: Hair loss, stomatitis, and vomiting are site-specific, not generalized, adverse effects of radiation therapy.