What are the long-term consequences of deterministic effects on patient care?

The long-term consequences of deterministic effects on patient care primarily include increased morbidity and the potential for secondary malignancies. Deterministic effects are associated with high doses of radiation and occur when the exposure exceeds a certain threshold, leading to direct damage to specific tissues or organs.

Typically, these effects manifest as injuries or malfunctions in the tissues, which can lead to chronic health issues, including functional impairments or complications resulting from the initial exposure. For instance, radiation exposure can damage DNA, increasing the risk for the development of long-term conditions such as cancer. This is particularly concerning as the individual may require ongoing monitoring and management for these health issues, contributing to increased morbidity.

The other choices suggest outcomes like improved health or complete healing without intervention, which do not align with the reality of how deterministic effects manifest in clinical settings. These effects typically necessitate further medical attention and can complicate the patient's overall health status rather than lead to improved outcomes.