Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) Nursing Practice Test

Radiation therapy can lead to a variety of skin conditions as late effects due to its impact on the skin's cellular structure and function. Each of the conditions mentioned is a known potential outcome of radiation exposure.

Atrophy refers to the thinning and weakening of the skin tissue, which can occur as a direct effect of radiation therapy. The radiation can damage the dermal and epidermal layers, leading to a loss of elasticity and strength over time.

Hyperpigmentation is another late effect, where areas of skin experience an increase in melanin production. This often results in darker patches in the irradiated areas due to the inflammatory response or the skin's attempt to heal after the radiation exposure.

Necrosis, or tissue death, can occur in more severe cases, particularly if the radiation dose is high or if there's concurrent damage from other therapeutic modalities. This can lead to ulceration and significant complications that require further intervention.

Considering that all three conditions can manifest as late effects of radiation therapy, the option that encompasses all of them accurately reflects the spectrum of skin changes that patients may experience following treatment.