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 B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Ketorolac is incorrect because it is an NSAID that is used for short-term pain relief. It has a higher risk of causing irritation to the stomach lining and is not recommended for clients with a history of peptic ulcers.
Choice B reason:
Acetaminophen is the correct answer. When caring for a client who reports a headache and has a history of a peptic ulcer, the nurse should administer Acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is an analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer) that does not have anti-inflammatory properties. It is a suitable option for pain relief in clients with a history of peptic ulcers because it is less likely to cause irritation to the stomach lining compared to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Choice C reason
Aspirin is not appropriate: Aspirin is an NSAID with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties. Like other NSAIDs, it can increase the risk of stomach irritation and should be avoided in clients with a history of peptic ulcers.
Choice D reason:
Ibuprofen is not the right option: Ibuprofen is another NSAID commonly used for pain relief and reducing inflammation and fever. Like other NSAIDs, it can irritate the stomach lining and is not recommended for clients with a history of peptic ulcers.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E","F"]
Explanation
Answer is B, C, D, E, F. These are the findings that suggest possible elder abuse or neglect.
- B: Client’s report of lack of food in home. This may indicate neglect by the adult child who is supposed to provide adequate nutrition for the client.
- C: Client’s report of lack of access to bank accounts. This may indicate financial abuse by the adult child who is controlling the client’s money without his permission.
- D: Client’s avoidance of eye contact. This may indicate emotional abuse by the adult child who is intimidating or threatening the client.
- E: Client’s report of weight loss. This may indicate neglect by the adult child who is not meeting the client’s basic needs or physical abuse by the adult child who is causing bodily harm to the client.
- F: Numerous bruises in various stages of healing. This may indicate physical abuse by the adult child who is hitting or injuring the client.
A: ECG results. This is not a finding that suggests elder abuse or neglect. It is a diagnostic test that measures the electrical activity of the heart and can help detect cardiac problems. It does not provide information about the client’s social or emotional well-being.
Normal ranges for vital signs:.
- Temperature: 36.1°C to 37.2°C (97°F to 99°F).
- Heart rate: 60 to 100 beats per minute.
- Blood pressure: less than 120/80 mm Hg.
- Respiratory rate: 12 to 20 breaths per minute.
- SpO2: 95% to 100% on room air. Table for BMI categories:
BMI |
Weight Status |
Below 18.5 |
Underweight |
18.5 to 24.9 |
Normal |
25.0 to 29.9 |
Overweight |
30.0 and above |
Obese |
The client’s BMI is 18.3, which indicates he is underweight and may be malnourished or have a medical condition that causes weight loss.
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