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 A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
In a client diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an arterial blood gas (ABG) test would typically show an increased level of carbon dioxide (PaCO2)56. This is because COPD affects the ability of the lungs to expel carbon dioxide, leading to its buildup in the blood.
Choice B rationale
An increased pH is not typically seen in COPD. In fact, due to the increased carbon dioxide (which is acidic), the pH may be lower, indicating respiratory acidosis.
Choice C rationale
Decreased alveolar function is a characteristic of COPD, but it is not something that would be directly measured in an ABG test.
Choice D rationale
An increased arterial oxygen (PaO2) is not typically seen in COPD. In fact, due to the impaired gas exchange, PaO2 may be lower.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Collective bargaining activity at a nearby hospital may be of interest, but it is not directly related to the quality improvement of the unit.
Choice B rationale
Systems that make it difficult for the nurses to do their job directly impact the quality of care provided in the unit. Addressing these issues can lead to improvements in workflow, patient care, and nurse satisfaction.
Choice C rationale
While nurse pay is an important issue, it is typically addressed through human resources or union negotiations, not a unit-based quality improvement project.
Choice D rationale
The number of medication errors committed by another nurse is a serious concern, but it is a specific personnel issue. It should be addressed, but it may not reflect the overall quality of the unit.
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