Which action will the nurse take when assessing a patient with possible oral cancer?

Choice A rationale
While inflammation can affect the kidneys, the presence of inflammatory cells alone does not typically cause a decrease in GFR. Inflammatory cells invading the kidneys is more associated with conditions like glomerulonephritis rather than acute tubular necrosis.

Choice B rationale
A reduction in blood flow to the kidneys, known as prerenal azotemia, can indeed lead to a decreased GFR. However, in the context of acute tubular necrosis, the primary issue is damage to the renal tubules rather than blood flow.

Choice C rationale
Acute tubular necrosis is characterized by damage to the renal tubular cells, which can lead to a decrease in GFR. This damage impairs the kidney's ability to filter waste products from the blood, resulting in a lower GFR.

Choice D rationale
Obstruction of the urinary tract can lead to postrenal azotemia, which may decrease GFR if severe enough. However, this is not the typical pathophysiological change seen in acute tubular necrosis, which primarily involves tubular cell injury.

Choice A rationale
Palpating over the maxillary sinuses is not typically associated with oral cancer assessment. This action is more relevant to sinus issues and does not provide information about oral cancer.

Choice B rationale
Asking about a productive cough can be relevant in assessing respiratory conditions but is not a direct method for evaluating oral cancer. Oral cancer symptoms are more localized to the mouth area.

Choice C rationale
Observing for purulent nasal drainage is not a standard action in assessing for oral cancer. Nasal drainage would be more indicative of sinus or respiratory issues, not oral pathology.

Choice D rationale
Checking the mouth for leukoplakia is a key action when assessing for oral cancer. Leukoplakia presents as thickened, white patches inside the mouth and can be precancerous, making it a critical observation in potential oral cancer cases.