A nurse is caring for a toddler who received radiation therapy 2 years ago for a brain tumor. Which of the following should the nurse identify as a late adverse effect of the radiation therapy?

A. Desquamation: Skin peeling or desquamation is an acute side effect of radiation therapy, typically appearing during or shortly after treatment, not years later. B. Nausea: Nausea is also an acute effect that commonly occurs during radiation therapy, especially when the gastrointestinal tract or brain is involved. It is not considered a late effect years after treatment. C. Mucosal ulceration: Ulceration of the mucous membranes is an early complication related to radiation affecting rapidly dividing cells. It resolves after treatment and is not a late manifestation. D. Short stature: Radiation therapy in young children can damage growth plates and affect hormone production, leading to growth delays and short stature. This is a recognized late adverse effect seen years after treatment.