A nurse is caring for a patient scheduled to receive external radiation to the neck for cancer of the larynx. During a pre-treatment exam, the nurse explains to the patient that the likely side effect would be:

Choice A reason: Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is not a common direct side effect of external radiation to the neck unless there is airway obstruction or tumor progression. Radiation itself typically does not cause acute respiratory distress unless surrounding structures are involved. Choice B reason: Infertility is not associated with radiation to the neck. This side effect is more relevant when radiation targets the pelvic or gonadal regions, where reproductive organs are directly affected. Choice C reason: Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a common side effect of radiation to the neck. The treatment can cause inflammation, mucositis, and fibrosis of the pharyngeal and esophageal tissues, leading to pain and impaired swallowing. Choice D reason: Diarrhea is not a typical side effect of neck radiation. It is more commonly associated with abdominal or pelvic radiation that affects the gastrointestinal tract.