Understanding Xerostomia from Radiation Therapy

A patient diagnosed with thyroid cancer is scheduled to receive external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) as part of her treatment plan. As the nurse caring for her, you need to discuss the potential short-term and long-term effects of this therapy. One of the short-term effects of radiation therapy, especially for patients receiving EBRT to the neck area, is _____. In order to help the patient manage and relieve this effect, appropriate interventions should be recommended.