Which action would the nurse take first for a patient with a tracheostomy who appears anxious and is having difficulty in coughing up thick respiratory secretion?

A. Blistering burns are not a typical side effect of radiation therapy for laryngeal cancer. Radiation burns can occur on the skin, but they are more likely to cause irritation and redness rather than blistering burns, especially in the case of internal radiation targeting the larynx.
B. Diarrhea is a common side effect of radiation therapy when the abdominal or pelvic areas are treated, but it is not typically associated with radiation therapy to the larynx.
C. Dry mouth (xerostomia) is a common side effect of radiation therapy for laryngeal cancer, as the salivary glands may be affected by the radiation. This results in reduced saliva production, leading to a dry mouth.
D. Nausea is not a typical side effect of radiation therapy for laryngeal cancer specifically, though it may occur if other areas (such as the stomach) are being treated. Nausea is more commonly associated with chemotherapy.

A. Clubbing of the fingernails is typically a sign of chronic hypoxia and is seen in conditions like cystic fibrosis, COPD, and other respiratory or cardiovascular diseases. It is a long-term issue and does not indicate an immediate emergency.
B. Tracheal deviation is a medical emergency and typically indicates tension pneumothorax, where air accumulates in the pleural space, shifting the trachea away from the affected side. This can compress the heart and lungs, leading to respiratory and circulatory collapse, requiring immediate action.
C. Contraction of the diaphragm may refer to normal breathing mechanics and does not indicate an immediate emergency unless it is associated with respiratory distress or failure.
D. Rhonchi are abnormal lung sounds often associated with mucus in the airways and can be heard in conditions like bronchitis or COPD. Although they may require attention, they do not represent an immediate emergency compared to tracheal deviation.