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","B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Thoracentesis may be performed to remove air from the pleural space in a client with a pneumothorax.
Choice B rationale
Obtaining arterial blood gases (ABGs) can help assess the client’s respiratory status and the severity of the pneumothorax.
Choice C rationale
A computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest can provide detailed images of the lungs and can help confirm the diagnosis of a pneumothorax.
Choice D rationale
Preparation for the insertion of a chest tube may be necessary to remove air from the pleural space and allow the lung to re-expand in a client with a pneumothorax.
Choice E rationale
Obtaining intravenous access is often necessary for administering medications and fluids.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Viral pharyngitis can sometimes lead to serious complications such as peritonsillar abscess. Symptoms of this condition include drooling and inability to fully open the mouth. Therefore, patients should be advised to contact a healthcare provider immediately if they experience these symptoms.
Choice B rationale
Viral pharyngitis is contagious and can be spread through saliva. Therefore, patients should be advised to avoid sharing drinks or eating utensils with others to prevent the spread of the infection.
Choice C rationale
Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, including viral pharyngitis. Therefore, taking prescribed antibiotics on time and not missing doses is not relevant in the context of viral pharyngitis.
Choice D rationale
Checking the body for skin rash twice daily is not typically necessary for patients with viral pharyngitis. While some viruses can cause a rash, it is not a common symptom of viral pharyngitis.
Choice E rationale
Drinking at least 2-3 liters of fluid per day unless contraindicated can help soothe a sore throat and prevent dehydration, which can occur if the patient has a fever or is not eating well due to the sore throat.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.