Total Dose of Radiation Therapy Calculation

A 65-year-old female client is undergoing radiation therapy for the treatment of breast cancer. The healthcare team is providing education on skin care management during this treatment. The nurse emphasizes that it is essential to keep the irradiated skin clean and dry and to apply any prescribed topical agents. When caring for a patient receiving radiation therapy, the nurse must remind the patient to avoid using hot or cold compresses on the affected area and to wear loose-fitting clothing.

As part of this education, the nurse should also inform the patient that the radiation exposure has the potential to cause skin changes. For this reason, it is important for the patient to regularly check the affected area for signs of irritation or infection.

It is important to note that skin reactions to radiation can vary based on the type of radiation and the dose received. For optimal healing and care, the nurse should instruct the patient that if they notice any adverse reactions such as redness, peeling, or healing problems, they should seek medical advice immediately.

Fill in the blank with the total dose of radiation therapy the patient is expected to undergo if the treatment plan includes 30 sessions at an overall dose of __________ Gray (Gy).