A nurse is caring for a client after a radical neck dissection. To which of the following should the nurse give priority in the immediate postoperative period?
Ineffective airway clearance related to thick, copious secretions
Malnourishment related to NPO status and dysphagia
High risk for infection related to surgical incisions
Impaired verbal communication related to the tracheostomy
The Correct Answer is A
a. Ineffective airway clearance: This is the priority as it addresses the immediate threat to the client's respiratory status. Accumulation of thick, copious secretions can lead to airway
obstruction and respiratory distress.
b. Malnourishment: While important, addressing malnourishment is not an immediate
postoperative priority. The client may receive nutrition through alternative means until normal swallowing function is restored.
c. High risk for infection: Infection is a concern, but ensuring airway clearance takes precedence in the immediate postoperative period.
d. Impaired verbal communication: Verbal communication is important, but it is not as immediate a concern as ensuring the airway is clear to prevent respiratory compromise.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
a. Encourage the client to take small bites: While encouraging small bites is important, the priority for a client with dysphagia is to ensure they are in an upright position to prevent aspiration.
b. Place food in the unaffected side of the mouth: Placing food in the unaffected side of the mouth may not prevent aspiration and does not address the priority of positioning.
c. Offer mouth care before meals: While oral hygiene is important, it is not the priority when addressing the risk of aspiration during feeding.
d. Place the client in the upright position: The upright position helps prevent aspiration during swallowing, which is crucial for clients with dysphagia.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
a. Increasing dyspnea: Atelectasis is the collapse of alveoli, leading to decreased lung volume and impaired gas exchange. Dyspnea (difficulty breathing) is a common symptom as the lung's ability to oxygenate the blood is compromised.
b. Dry cough: A dry cough may be present, but it is not specific to atelectasis. It can occur for various reasons postoperatively.
c. Facial flushing: Facial flushing is not a typical finding in atelectasis. It is more commonly associated with conditions such as fever or allergic reactions.
d. Decreasing respiratory rate: Atelectasis can lead to increased respiratory rate as the body tries to compensate for decreased lung function. A decreasing respiratory rate would be less likely in the presence of atelectasis.
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