Author Question: Which statement by the patient indicates that the teaching has been effective for a patient ... (Read 26 times)

schs14 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

Which statement by the patient indicates that the teaching has been effective for a patient scheduled for radiation therapy of the larynx?

a. I will need to buy a water bottle to carry with me.
b. I should not use any lotions on my neck and throat.
c. Until the radiation is complete, I may have diarrhea.
d. Alcohol-based mouthwashes will help clean oral ulcers.

Question 2

A nurse obtains a health history from a patient who has a 35 pack-year smoking history. The patient complains of hoarseness and tightness in the throat and difficulty swallowing. Which question is most important for the nurse to ask?

a. How much alcohol do you drink in an average week?
b. Do you have a family history of head or neck cancer?
c. Have you had frequent streptococcal throat infections?
d. Do you use antihistamines for upper airway congestion?

briezy · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Xerostomia can be partially alleviated by drinking fluids at frequent intervals. Radiation will damage tissues at the site being radiated but should not affect the abdominal organs, so loose stools are not a usual complication of head and neck radiation therapy. Frequent oral rinsing with nonalcohol-based rinses is recommended. Prescribed lotions and sunscreen may be used on radiated skin, although they should not be used just before the radiation therapy.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Prolonged alcohol use and smoking are associated with the development of laryngeal cancer, which the patient's symptoms and history suggest. Family history is not a risk factor for head or neck cancer. Frequent antihistamine use would be asked about if the nurse suspected allergic rhinitis, but the patient's symptoms are not suggestive of this diagnosis. Streptococcal throat infections also may cause these clinical manifestations, but patients with this type of infection will also have pain and a fever.