2010-5-13
1 Psychological Guidance
Cancer patients endure significant physical and emotional pain and hardship, often experiencing varying degrees of fear and losing confidence in their treatment. Therefore, nurses must possess profound compassion and a strong sense of responsibility, offering caring and respectful attention to earn patients' trust. It’s crucial for nurses to understand each patient’s unique psychological state and family background, helping them adjust quickly to the hospital environment, strengthening their ability to manage daily life, and ultimately supporting them in achieving the best possible recovery outcome.

2 Dietary Guidance
Due to the psychological burden, poor appetite, and weakened immune system experienced by nasopharyngeal cancer patients as a result of their illness, it’s essential to guide family members in encouraging patients to eat nutritious, high-protein, vitamin-rich, low-fat, and easily digestible foods—such as beans, milk, wood ear mushrooms, and carrots. At the same time, advise patients to quit smoking and drinking alcohol, avoid raw, cold, or hard foods, steer clear of spicy dishes, and refrain from consuming moldy or spoiled food. Additionally, instruct family members to create a clean and comfortable eating environment for the patient, paying attention to the food’s color, aroma, and taste, while offering delicious, appealing meals that provide ample nutrition and support the patient’s recovery.

3 Oral Hygiene Guidance
3. 1 Oral Hygiene: Educate patients and their families on the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene. Specific measures include brushing teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush upon waking, before bedtime, and after meals; and rinsing the mouth with plain water or saline solution before eating. Advise patients to rinse with 1% licorice extract or to drink herbal teas made from Ophiopogon japonicus, Honeysuckle, and Flos Albiziae when experiencing dry mouth. Additionally, inform patients and their families that tooth extraction is not recommended within 2 to 3 years following radiation therapy—instead, fillings are preferred during this period. If tooth extraction becomes necessary later on, patients must inform their dentist about their prior radiation history. As a standard precaution, dentists typically prescribe antibiotics 3 to 7 days before and after the procedure to help prevent the development of radiation-induced osteomyelitis.
3. 2 Mouth-Opening Exercises: Perform maximum-range mouth-opening exercises daily, followed by practicing chewing, cheek-puffing, smiling, and holding your breath—5 to 6 times per day, each session lasting 5 to 15 minutes. You may also chew gum 3 to 5 times daily. Additionally, practice tongue protrusion, retraction, and rolling motions several times each day, combining these with gentle head movements such as side bends and rotations. Ensure all movements are slow and performed within a comfortable range of motion. Instruct the patient and their family to continue the rehabilitation exercises at home after discharge, just as they did during the hospital stay.

4. Maintain the integrity of the local skin
Inform patients and their families that the treated skin area still requires protection for at least one month after radiation therapy ends. Advise family members to gently clean the area with lukewarm water or a soft towel—avoid using soap altogether—and discourage the use of alcohol, iodine, adhesive tape, or medicinal plasters, as these can irritate the skin. Remind patients not to shave the treated area; instead, recommend using an electric razor to prevent skin damage and potential local infections. Additionally, instruct patients to avoid direct sunlight when going outdoors and to protect the area with appropriate shielding. Finally, emphasize to both patients and their families that scratching the treated skin should be strictly avoided—instead, advise gentle patting to relieve itching.
5 Medication Guidance
Patients and their families should be advised to contact the doctor at any time during radiation therapy. Most patients may experience nausea and vomiting; for mild cases, stomach-strengthening and sedative medications can be administered as directed by the physician. If symptoms are severe, it’s crucial to reach out to the doctor promptly, and intravenous fluids may be prescribed as needed. Families should also learn how to recognize the normal ranges for WBC, RBC, and platelet counts. During treatment, blood counts should be checked weekly. If any abnormalities are detected, notify the doctor immediately—depending on the situation, radiation therapy may need to be paused or interrupted, or a white blood cell-boosting treatment may be initiated as directed by the healthcare team.

6 Relaxation Activities
Patients and their families are advised to participate in suitable activities based on their recovery progress and physical condition—such as practicing qigong or taking leisurely walks—to strengthen the body and maintain optimal health. However, it’s important to proceed gradually, staying within your limits while ensuring adequate rest and avoiding overexertion. Maintaining a positive mindset is also key. Individuals in good physical shape may even resume light work or studies. Families are encouraged to help patients engage in appropriate activities and provide opportunities for exercise. For more guidance, feel free to call the Taixinsheng hotline at 010-51571020.