A nurse is planning care for a client who is receiving radiation therapy to treat throat cancer and reports a change in the taste of food. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Offer artificial saliva frequently.
Provide three large meals daily.
Add honey to sweeten fruit smoothies.
Heat food before serving.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A: This is correct because offering artificial saliva frequently can help moisten the mouth and improve the taste of food. Radiation therapy can cause dry mouth and altered taste sensation.

Choice B: This is incorrect because providing three large meals daily can be overwhelming and unappetizing for the client. The nurse should provide small, frequent meals that are high in protein and calories.
Choice C: This is incorrect because adding honey to sweeten fruit smoothies can irritate the throat and increase the risk of infection. The nurse should avoid foods that are acidic, spicy, or sticky.
Choice D: This is incorrect because heating food before serving can enhance the unpleasant taste and smell of food. The nurse should serve food cold or at room temperature.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Discouraging reminiscing about the past is not a helpful strategy for a client who has dementia and confusion. Reminiscing can stimulate memory, enhance mood, and promote social interaction.
Choice B reason: Asking open-ended questions that encourage the client to express their feelings is not appropriate for a client who has dementia and confusion. Open-ended questions can increase frustration and anxiety for the client who may have difficulty finding words or recalling events. The nurse should use simple, direct, and closed-ended questions instead.
Choice C reason: Using holiday decorations to provide orientation to the time of the year is a beneficial action for a client who has dementia and confusion. Holiday decorations can help the client recognize familiar cues and reduce disorientation.
Choice D reason: Encouraging multiple family members to visit the client at the same time is not advisable for a client who has dementia and confusion. Multiple visitors can overwhelm and agitate the client who may have trouble recognizing faces or voices. The nurse should limit the number of visitors and ensure they are calm and supportive.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice a: Placing the client in high-Fowler's position is the first action that the nurse should take because it can improve lung expansion and oxygenation, which are priority needs for a client who has a pulmonary embolism and is experiencing dyspnea.
Choice b is not correct because administering heparin to the client is not the first action that the nurse should take, but rather a subsequent action after ensuring adequate oxygenation. Heparin can prevent further clot formation and reduce the risk of complications, but it does not dissolve existing clots or improve respiratory status.
Choice c is not correct because encouraging the client to cough and deep breathe is not the first action that the nurse should take, but rather an ongoing intervention that can help mobilize secretions and prevent atelectasis. However, it may not be effective or feasible for a client who has severe dyspnea.
Choice d is not correct because obtaining the client's vital signs is not the first action that the nurse should take, but rather an assessment that can provide baseline data and monitor changes in condition. However, it does not address the immediate problem of impaired gas exchange or relieve dyspnea.
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.
