Certified Hospice and Palliative Assistant (CHPNA) Practice Test

What is one common effect of radiation therapy related to xerostomia?

1. Excessive salivation

2. Diminished oral taste

3. Dry mouth

4. Increased sensitivity to spicy foods

The correct answer is: Dry mouth

The correct answer is dry mouth, commonly known as xerostomia, which is a frequent side effect of radiation therapy, particularly when the salivary glands are targeted during treatment for head and neck cancers. Radiation can damage the salivary glands, resulting in a reduced ability to produce saliva, leading to a persistently dry mouth. This condition can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, affecting their ability to speak, chew, and swallow, as well as increasing the risk of dental issues and mouth infections. The other options—excessive salivation, diminished oral taste, and increased sensitivity to spicy foods—do not accurately represent the typical outcome associated with radiation therapy. Instead, these effects may not occur in conjunction with the loss of saliva production, making dry mouth the most relevant and common effect linked to the treatment.