Information guide for patients receiving total body irradiation before bone marrow transplantation.

Most patients with hematologic malignancies are conditioned for bone marrow transplantation with a regimen that includes the use of total body irradiation. This patient information guide was put together to simplify and standardize the type of instructions that patients receive before total body irradiation and to provide information for nurses who care for patients receiving such treatment. Content includes common questions asked by patients and families; a description of possible side effects; when side effects begin; and the patient's role in minimizing side effects.