A nurse is caring for a client who reports xerostomia following radiation therapy to the mandible.
Which of the following is an appropriate action by the nurse?
Suggest rinsing his mouth with an alcohol-based mouth wash.
Instruct the client on the use of esophageal speech.
Offer the client saltine crackers between meals.
Provide humidification of the room air.
The Correct Answer is D
Provide humidification of the room air. This is because humidification can help moisten the oral mucosa and reduce the discomfort of xerostomia. Xerostomia is a condition of dry mouth caused by reduced or absent saliva flow, which can occur after radiation therapy to the head and neck area.
Choice A is wrong because rinsing the mouth with an alcohol-based mouth wash can irritate the oral tissues and worsen xerostomia. Alcohol can also dehydrate the mouth and reduce saliva production.
Choice B is wrong because esophageal speech is a method of voice restoration after laryngectomy, not a treatment for xerostomia.
Esophageal speech involves swallowing air into the esophagus and releasing it to create sound.
It has nothing to do with saliva flow or dry mouth.
Choice C is wrong because saltine crackers are dry and hard to swallow without adequate saliva.
They can also scratch the oral mucosa and cause pain or bleeding. Offering the client saltine crackers between meals can aggravate xerostomia and increase the risk of choking.
Normal ranges for saliva flow vary depending on the method of measurement, but generally, a stimulated saliva flow rate of less than 0.7 mL/min or an unstimulated saliva flow rate of less than 0.1 mL/min is considered indicative of xerostomia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
"I try to respond to the baby quickly so she doesn't cry very long." This statement is incorrect because it indicates the parent's sensitivity to the baby's needs and responsiveness to the baby's cues, which are positive signs of appropriate caregiving.
Choice B reason:
"I have several friends who come by to help out with the baby." This statement is incorrect because having a support system in the form of friends who help with the baby is a positive factor that can reduce stress and promote a healthy postpartum period.
Choice C reason:
"I want to meet other parents to see if they are going through the same things." This statement is incorrect because seeking social support and connecting with other parents can be beneficial in reducing feelings of isolation and stress during the postpartum period.
Choice D reason:
"I think the baby should be sleeping through the night by now is the correct statement "I think the baby should be sleeping through the night by now," as a manifestation of increased risk for child abuse. This statement may indicate unrealistic expectations or frustration from the parent regarding the baby's sleep patterns.
It is common for newborns to wake frequently during the night for feeding and care, and their sleep patterns can vary significantly in the early weeks and months of life. Unrealistic expectations or frustration about the baby's sleep habits can contribute to increased stress for the parent, which might increase the risk of child abuse or neglect.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason
Abdomen area is not appropriate: Assessing skin turgor on the abdomen is not commonly performed. The abdomen may not be the most accurate site for assessing skin turgor, especially in older adults, as it can be influenced by factors such as body fat distribution.
Choice B reason:
Shoulder are is not appropriate: The shoulder is not a typical site for assessing skin turgor. It is generally not used for this purpose, as it may not provide reliable results
Choice C reason:
Stomach is not the correct answer.: Assessing skin turgor on the stomach is also not commonly performed. The abdomen or stomach may not be the most accurate site for assessing skin turgor, especially in older adults.
Choice D reason
When assessing skin turgor in an older adult client, the nurse should lift the skin on the neck to evaluate its elasticity and hydration status. Skin turgor is a measure of skin's elasticity and is commonly used as an indicator of hydration in both adults and older adults.
To assess skin turgor, the nurse will gently pinch a small amount of skin on the back of the client's hand or the front of the chest (sternum). However, since the options listed do not include these areas, the closest alternative for an older adult would be the neck.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today