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. 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 .
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Measuring the arm circumference above the insertion site daily is appropriate. When planning care for a client scheduled to receive a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) in the arm, it is appropriate for the nurse to include measuring the arm circumference above the insertion site daily. This intervention is essential to monitor for any signs of complications, such as edema or swelling, which could indicate thrombosis or infiltration at the insertion site.
Choice B reason:
Administering sedation Administering sedation is not a routine intervention for a PICC insertion procedure is inappropriate. Sedation might be considered for certain procedures, but it is not typically used for PICC insertions. PICC insertions are generally performed with local anaesthesia at the insertion site.
Choice C reason:
Scheduling an MRI post procedure to verify placement An MRI is not typically used to verify the placement of a PICC. The placement of a PICC is usually confirmed using X-ray or other imaging methods that can visualize the catheter's location within the central veins. Post-procedure verification of PICC placement is essential to ensure proper positioning and to prevent complications.
Choice D reason:
Using gauze to secure an arm board to the involved extremity Using gauze to secure an arm board to the involved extremity is not a common practice for securing a PICC. After a PICC insertion, a securement device specifically designed for PICCs is typically used to secure the catheter in place and prevent movement.
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