A nurse is caring for a patient who is 9 days postoperative following a total laryngectomy. The nurse removes the patient’s NG tube and initiates oral feedings.
Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
“You should have no trouble swallowing fluids.”.
“It is no longer possible for you to choke on or aspirate food.”.
“I will add a thickener to your liquids to prevent aspiration.”.
“Tuck your chin when you swallow so you won’t choke.”.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
After a total laryngectomy, patients may have difficulty swallowing fluids due to changes in the anatomy of the throat.
Choice B rationale
It is not accurate to say that it is no longer possible for the patient to choke on or aspirate food after a total laryngectomy. While the risk of aspiration is reduced because the airway and digestive tract are separated, the patient can still experience choking on food if it is not properly swallowed.
Choice C rationale
Adding a thickener to liquids can help prevent aspiration, but this is typically more relevant for patients with dysphagia or other swallowing disorders, not specifically for patients post- laryngectomy.
Choice D rationale
Tucking the chin when swallowing, also known as the chin-tuck maneuver, can help prevent aspiration by narrowing the entrance to the airway. This can be a useful technique for patients after a laryngectomy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Acute laryngotracheobronchitis, also known as croup, is a common childhood condition that is usually caused by a viral infection. The main symptom is a distinctive barking cough. A cool mist tent can help to soothe the inflamed airways and reduce stridor, which is a high-pitched,
wheezing sound caused by disrupted airflow. Therefore, decreased stridor would indicate that the treatment has been effective.
Choice B rationale
While a decreased temperature might indicate a resolution of any underlying infection, it is not directly related to the effectiveness of a cool mist tent in treating acute laryngotracheobronchitis.
Choice C rationale
A barking cough is a symptom of acute laryngotracheobronchitis and does not indicate treatment effectiveness.
Choice D rationale
Improved hydration is important but is not a direct indicator of the effectiveness of the cool mist tent.
Correct Answer is ["4"]
Explanation
Step 1 is: Identify the dose ordered and the dose available. The dose ordered is 40 mg and the dose available is 10 mg/mL.
Step 2 is: Set up the equation to calculate the volume to administer: (40 mg ÷ 10 mg/mL) = 4 mL.
So, the nurse should administer 4 mL per dose.
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