The practical nurse (PN) learns that a client who is receiving chemotherapy has developed stomatitis.
Which information should the PN obtain from the client during a focused assessment?
Urinary output.
Ability to swallow.
Frequency of bowel movements.
Blood pressure while standing.
The Correct Answer is B
Stomatitis refers to the inflammation of the mouth and oral mucosa, which can cause pain and difficulty swallowing. In the context of a client receiving chemotherapy, stomatitis is a common side effect that can occur due to the effects of chemotherapy on rapidly dividing cells, including those in the oral cavity. When a client develops stomatitis, it is important for the practical nurse (PN) to obtain information about the client's ability to swallow during a focused assessment. This is because stomatitis can significantly impact a client's ability to eat and drink comfortably, which can lead to dehydration and malnutrition. Assessing the client's ability to swallow helps determine the extent of the issue and guides appropriate interventions and support.
Let's briefly evaluate the other options:
a) Urinary output.
Urinary output is not directly related to stomatitis. Stomatitis primarily affects the oral cavity, and its impact on urinary output is minimal or nonexistent. While monitoring urinary output is important for assessing hydration status, it is not the priority in this situation.
c) Frequency of bowel movements.
The frequency of bowel movements is unrelated to stomatitis. Stomatitis primarily affects the mouth, and its presence does not directly influence bowel movements. Assessing bowel movements may be relevant for other concerns, but it is not specifically related to stomatitis.
d) Blood pressure while standing.
Blood pressure while standing, also known as orthostatic blood pressure, is not directly relevant to stomatitis. Stomatitis primarily affects the oral cavity and does not typically have a direct impact on blood pressure. Assessing blood pressure while standing may be appropriate for other health concerns, such as orthostatic hypotension, but it is not the priority in this situation.
In summary, when a client receiving chemotherapy develops stomatitis, the practical nurse should focus on assessing the client's ability to swallow as it directly relates to the impact of stomatitis on the client's nutrition and hydration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C: Increase rate of ventilation.
Choice A rationale:
Decreasing expiratory flow time would not directly address the elevated PaCO2 levels. This intervention is more related to managing expiratory phase issues rather than correcting respiratory acidosis.
Choice B rationale:
Decreasing expiratory pressure might help with certain ventilation issues, but it does not specifically target the elevated PaCO2 and resulting acidosis.
Choice C rationale:
Increasing the rate of ventilation helps to blow off more CO2, thereby reducing PaCO2 levels and correcting the respiratory acidosis indicated by the pH of 7.26 and PaCO2 of 68 mm Hg.
Choice D rationale:
Increasing the ventilator tidal volume could also help reduce PaCO2 by increasing the amount of air exchanged with each breath. However, increasing the rate of ventilation is generally a more immediate and effective intervention for acute respiratory acidosis.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","H"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A Speech Therapist is crucial in this case. The patient presented with garbled speech, which indicates a possible speech impairment. A speech therapist can evaluate the patient’s speech and language skills and provide therapy to improve any deficits, which can significantly enhance the patient’s quality of life.
Choice B rationale:
A Case Manager is essential in coordinating the patient’s care. They ensure that the patient’s healthcare needs are met and that the patient is receiving appropriate treatments. They also coordinate with various healthcare professionals and may assist with insurance issues or discharge planning.
Choice C rationale:
A Physical Therapist can help the patient regain physical strength and mobility that might have been affected by the stroke. They can provide exercises and treatments to improve balance, coordination, and muscle strength, which can help the patient regain independence in their daily activities.
Choice D rationale:
A Pharmacy Technician is not typically involved in direct patient care or recovery. Their role is more focused on assisting pharmacists with dispensing medication and other administrative tasks in a pharmacy setting.
Choice E rationale:
The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) is a high-level executive role that oversees nursing staff across an entire healthcare organization. While they play a crucial role in ensuring quality nursing care, they would not be directly involved in individual patient recovery.
Choice F rationale:
A Respiratory Therapist could be helpful if the patient had respiratory issues or complications related to the stroke, but given the information provided, it does not appear that respiratory therapy is needed in this case.
Choice G rationale:
A Medical Assistant typically performs administrative and clinical tasks in healthcare settings but does not specialize in rehabilitation or recovery care for stroke patients.
Choice H rationale:
An Occupational Therapist is vital for stroke recovery. They can help the patient regain skills needed for daily living activities that might have been affected by the stroke, such as eating, dressing, and bathing. They can also provide strategies to compensate for any lasting deficits from the stroke. In summary, for a comprehensive recovery plan for this patient who has had a stroke, an interdisciplinary team involving a Speech Therapist (A), Case Manager (B), Physical Therapist ©, and Occupational Therapist (H) would be most beneficial.
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