A client is having a temporary tracheostomy placed during surgery ...

[Kthamas]

A client is having a temporary tracheostomy placed during surgery for oral cancer. What action by the nurse is best to relieve anxiety?
 
  a. Agree on a postoperative communication method.
  b. Explain that staff will answer the call light promptly.
  c. Give the client a Magic Slate to write on postoperatively.
  d. Reassure the client that you will take care of all of his or her needs.

Question 2

The nurse reads a client's chart and sees that the health care provider assessed mucosal erythroplasia. What should the nurse understand that this means for the client?
 
  a. Early sign of oral cancer
  b. Fungal mouth infection
  c. Inflammation of the gums
  d. Obvious oral tumor

[ASDFGJLO]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Before surgery that interrupts the client's ability to communicate, the nurse, client, and family (if possible) agree upon a method of communication in the postoperative period. The client may or may not prefer a slate and may not be able to communicate in writing. Reassuring the client and telling him or her you will take care of all of his or her needs does not help the client be an active participant in care. Ensuring that the staff will answer the call light promptly will not guarantee this will occur.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Mucosal erythroplasia is the earliest sign of oral cancer. It is not a fungal infection, inflammation of the gums, or an obvious tumor.