During internal radiation for cervical cancer, which adverse reaction should a nurse monitor for?

Monitoring for increased temperature during internal radiation therapy for cervical cancer is essential because fever can signal various complications, including infection or an inflammatory response to the treatment. Internal radiation, known as brachytherapy, involves placing radioactive material directly inside or near the tumor, which can lead to localized tissue reaction. This reaction may result in inflammation or irritation, prompting the body to react with a temperature increase as part of the immune response.

Conversely, while dehydration, weight gain, and skin rash can occur in patients undergoing treatment for cervical cancer, they are not typically direct indicators of complications specific to internal radiation. Dehydration may arise from various factors, such as nausea or changes in fluid intake, rather than being a direct consequence of the radiation itself. Weight gain is not commonly associated with immediate effects of radiation therapy, and skin rash tends to be more related to external radiotherapy or other concurrent treatments. Therefore, vigilance for changes in body temperature is a key focus for nurses during this treatment phase.