What late effect of radiation therapy on the heart should the nurse monitor as a priority?

The priority late effect of radiation therapy on the heart to monitor is pericarditis. This condition arises from radiation-induced inflammation of the pericardium, which is the protective sac surrounding the heart. Radiation can lead to long-term damage to the heart tissues, and pericarditis can result in symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and other cardiovascular complications.

Monitoring for pericarditis is particularly crucial because it can progress to more serious conditions, such as cardiac effusion or restrictive pericarditis, which could significantly impact the patient’s overall cardiac function and quality of life. Recognizing and addressing this potential complication early allows for timely intervention, which can reduce morbidity and improve patient outcomes.

Other options like trismus, lymphedema, and pulmonary fibrosis, while they may be relevant to patients undergoing radiation therapy, do not pertain specifically to cardiac complications and generally do not pose the same immediate threat to cardiac health as pericarditis does. Therefore, prioritizing monitoring for pericarditis makes the most sense in light of potential long-term cardiovascular effects following radiation treatment.