What is a common symptom nurses assess for in patients undergoing radiation therapy?

Fatigue is a well-documented and common symptom experienced by patients undergoing radiation therapy. This occurs as a result of the body’s response to the treatment, which can be physically taxing. Radiation therapy targets cancer cells, but it can also affect surrounding healthy tissues, leading to increased energy expenditure as the body works to repair itself. Patients often report feelings of tiredness and lack of energy, which can persist even after the therapy has ended.

In the context of cancer treatment, it is important for nurses to assess and monitor fatigue because it can impact a patient’s quality of life and their ability to participate in daily activities and treatments. Addressing fatigue through supportive measures, such as promoting rest and encouraging balanced nutrition, can significantly help ease this common symptom for patients.

The other options, while they can occur in other contexts, are less representative of the typical experiences of patients undergoing radiation therapy. For instance, increased appetite and enhanced energy levels are not common, as treatment often leads to decreased desire to eat and fatigue. Skin rash may occur in some patients due to radiation dermatitis, but fatigue remains the most universally experienced symptom.