A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving radiation therapy to the head and neck. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Radiation therapy to the head and neck commonly affects rapidly dividing normal cells in addition to cancer cells, especially those of the oral mucosa and salivary glands. Damage to the salivary glands reduces saliva production, leading to dryness of the mouth and difficulty with speaking, swallowing, and oral hygiene. Nurses must anticipate these expected side effects and provide supportive care to prevent complications such as infection and malnutrition. A. Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a common expected finding in clients receiving radiation therapy to the head and neck because radiation damages the salivary glands and decreases saliva production. Reduced saliva causes discomfort, difficulty chewing and swallowing, altered taste, and increased risk of dental caries and oral infections. This is one of the most frequent and significant adverse effects of head and neck radiation. B. Epistaxis refers to nosebleeds and is not a common expected effect specifically associated with routine head and neck radiation therapy. While mucosal irritation can occur, persistent nosebleeds are not considered a hallmark finding. Other oral and salivary complications are more characteristic than nasal bleeding. C. Diplopia, or double vision, is usually related to neurological, muscular, or ophthalmologic disorders rather than standard radiation effects to the head and neck region. Unless the treatment specifically involves structures affecting cranial nerves or the orbit, this is not an expected finding. It is therefore not the primary anticipated side effect. D. Tinnitus is ringing or buzzing in the ears and is more commonly associated with ototoxic medications such as aminoglycosides or certain chemotherapy agents like cisplatin. It is not a typical expected finding of general radiation therapy to the head and neck. Xerostomia remains the more predictable and common manifestation.