Which side effect of radiation therapy will the nurse anticipate in a patient who has laryngeal cancer?
Blistering burns
Diarrhea
Dry mouth
Nausea
The Correct Answer is C
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Have the client refrain from talking for 24 hr: The client only needs to refrain from talking until the anesthesia wears off, usually within an hour. There is no need to refrain from talking for 24 hours.
B. Withhold food and liquids until the client's gag reflex returns: This is the correct action. Following a bronchoscopy, the local anesthetic used can suppress the gag reflex. It is crucial to wait until the gag reflex returns to prevent aspiration when the client eats or drinks. C. Irrigate the client's throat every 4 hr: There is no indication to irrigate the throat routinely. The priority is to ensure that the gag reflex has returned before allowing oral intake.
D. Suction the client's oropharynx frequently: Suctioning is only necessary if the client is unable to clear their secretions or has difficulty breathing. It is not a standard post-procedure intervention.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Constant bubbling in the suction-control chamber is normal as it indicates that the suction is active and functioning as intended. The chamber should have steady bubbling when suction is applied.
B. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber is abnormal and indicates a potential air leak. The water-seal chamber should only bubble intermittently with respiratory effort or changes in pressure; constant bubbling suggests that air is being introduced into the system, which could indicate a malfunction or an air leak at the insertion site or along the tubing.
C. Fluid-level fluctuations in the water-seal chamber are normal and should be observed, especially with breathing. The fluid levels will rise with inspiration and fall with expiration, reflecting the changes in pressure within the pleural space.
D. Bloody drainage in the collection chamber is expected immediately after surgery, particularly in the early postoperative period. It may be a sign of surgical site drainage, but if it becomes excessive or persists, further assessment is required. However, a small amount of blood in the collection chamber initially is not abnormal.
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