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
The correct answer is choice D. Administer analgesics on a scheduled basis for the first 24 hr.
This is because the child is at risk for developing peritonitis, which can cause severe abdominal pain.
Scheduled analgesics can provide better pain relief than PRN analgesics.
Choice A is wrong because the child should not be given anything by mouth until bowel sounds return, which can take up to 24 hr after surgery.
Giving clear liquids too soon can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension.
Choice B is wrong because cromolyn nebulized solution is used to prevent asthma attacks, not to treat appendicitis.
There is no indication that the child has asthma or needs this medication.
Choice C is wrong because applying a warm compress to the operative site can increase inflammation and infection risk.
A cold compress can be used to reduce swelling and pain, but only if prescribed by the provider.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. The nurse should include that information technology will install a firewall to secure client information.
A firewall is a system that protects the network from unauthorized access and prevents data breaches. A firewall is essential for ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic health records .
Choice A is wrong because the nurse should change their password more frequently than once per year. Changing passwords regularly reduces the risk of unauthorized access and enhances security .
Choice B is wrong because the documentation of sensitive material is not performed by the charge nurse. The nurse who provides the care should document it accurately and promptly in the computerized system .
Choice C is wrong because the nurse will not be given access to the medical records of every client in the facility. The nurse should only access the records of the clients they are assigned to care for, following the principle of need-to-know .
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.