A nurse is caring for a patient who reports experiencing an alteration in sense of smell following surgery for a total laryngectomy.
The nurse should address the patient’s concern through which of the following responses?
“As your appetite returns, your sense of smell will also return.”.
“Your body will slowly develop an ability to smell through your stoma.”.
“Your sense of smell will gradually return after several months.”.
“Breathing through a stoma has altered your sense of smell.”.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
While it’s true that appetite and sense of smell are closely linked, the return of appetite does not necessarily mean the return of the sense of smell, especially after a total laryngectomy.
Choice B rationale
The body does not develop an ability to smell through the stoma. The sense of smell is primarily mediated by the olfactory nerve (Cranial Nerve I), which is located in the upper part of the nasal cavity.
Choice C rationale
The sense of smell does not typically return after several months following a total laryngectomy. This is because the surgery involves removal of the larynx and separation of the airway from the mouth, nose and throat.
Choice D rationale
Breathing through a stoma after a total laryngectomy does alter the sense of smell. This is because the nose and mouth are bypassed during breathing, and these are the primary routes for smell.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Reports routinely listing the identification number of any equipment involved is not a problem. This is a standard practice in incident reporting as it helps in identifying and tracking the equipment involved in the incident.
Choice B rationale
Reports routinely omitting the names of witnesses to the occurrence is a problem that should be reported to the risk manager. Witnesses can provide crucial information about the incident, and their statements can help in understanding the sequence of events and identifying the root cause of the incident.
Choice C rationale
Reports being completed within 24 hours after the incident is not a problem. Timely reporting of incidents is crucial for accurate recall of events and immediate initiation of corrective actions.
Choice D rationale
Reports routinely including the client’s hospital number is not a problem. This is a standard practice in incident reporting as it helps in identifying and tracking the patient involved in the incident.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Taking breaks outside in fresh air can help to clear the lungs of inhaled toxins to some extent. However, this measure alone is not sufficient to prevent inhalation exposure of job-related substances.
Choice B rationale
Consistently wearing a disposable paper mask can provide some protection against inhalable toxins. However, such masks may not be effective against all types of toxins and may not provide complete protection.
Choice C rationale
Keeping a fan blowing in the environment can help to disperse toxic substances and prevent them from becoming stagnant in the air. However, this measure alone may not be sufficient to prevent inhalation exposure, and in some cases, it could even spread the toxins more widely.
Choice D rationale
Wearing designated protective attire and devices when working with a toxic substance is the most effective measure to prevent inhalation exposure. This can include items such as respirators, which are designed to filter out specific toxins and protect the respiratory system.
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