A client who is receiving radiation treatment for laryngeal cancer has developed xerostomia and mucositis.

The nurse determines the client has an imbalanced nutritional intake and is consuming less than body requirements.

Which factor is the most likely cause for this problem?

Choice A rationale:

The neurology unit supervisor is not the most appropriate nurse to coordinate the progression of care for a client with a spinal cord injury (SCI). While they may have expertise in neurology, the nurse case manager is specifically trained to coordinate and manage the care of patients with complex conditions, including SCI. They can facilitate communication between various healthcare providers and ensure that the client receives comprehensive care throughout their stay.

Choice B rationale:

An adult nurse practitioner may have specialized knowledge in the care of adults, but they may not have the specific skills and training required to coordinate the care of a client with a spinal cord injury in the ICU. Nurse case managers are better equipped to manage complex cases and ensure the continuity of care for the client.

Choice D rationale:

A risk management nurse focuses on minimizing healthcare-related risks and ensuring the safety of patients and staff. While their role is essential, it is not the primary responsibility to coordinate the progression of care for a client with a spinal cord injury. The nurse case manager is better suited for this role as they specialize in care coordination.

Choice A rationale:

Observing body language and movement is a valuable method for assessing pain, but it may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the client's pain experience. Clients may have different ways of expressing pain, and verbal communication should also be considered.

Choice B rationale:

Identifying effective pain relief measures is relevant but does not assess the quality of the pain itself. It focuses on pain management rather than pain assessment.

Choice C rationale:

Providing a numeric pain scale is a useful tool for quantifying pain intensity, but it does not assess the quality of pain, which is essential for understanding the nature of migraine headaches.

Choice D rationale:

Asking the client to describe the pain is the most appropriate approach for assessing the quality of pain. It allows the client to express the characteristics of the pain, such as its location, intensity, duration, and any associated symptoms, which can aid in diagnosis and treatment planning.