The elderly patient receiving radiation therapy: treatment sequelae and nursing care

Preparing the elderly patient for radiation therapy requires knowledge of the major cancers, the role of radiation treatment, sequelae of treatment, and the age-associated factors that exacerbate treatment reactions. Elderly patients often require long treatment courses. Encouragement to express feelings and report symptoms may be necessary in this patient population. Instructions should be written and repeated, especially for patients with memory loss. The nurse caring for the elderly patient receiving radiation must help the patient to anticipate side effects and manage sequelae of treatment. The patient who knows what to expect is better able to tolerate therapy and to maintain an optimal quality of life during treatment.