A nurse cares for a client who had a partial laryngectomy 10 days ...

[dalyningkenk]

A nurse cares for a client who had a partial laryngectomy 10 days ago. The client states that all food tastes bland. How should the nurse respond?
 
  a. I will consult the speech therapist to ensure you are swallowing properly.
  b. This is normal after surgery. What types of food do you like to eat?
  c. I will ask the dietitian to change the consistency of the food in your diet.
  d. Replacement of protein, calories, and water is very important after surgery.

Question 2

A nurse cares for a client who is scheduled for a total laryngectomy. Which action should the nurse take prior to surgery?
 
  a. Assess airway patency, breathing, and circulation.
  b. Administer prescribed intravenous pain medication.
  c. Assist the client to choose a communication method.
  d. Ambulate the client in the hallway to assess gait.

[nmyers]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Many clients experience changes in taste after surgery. The nurse should identify foods that the client wants to eat to ensure the client maintains necessary nutrition. Although the nurse should collaborate with the speech therapist and dietitian to ensure appropriate replacement of protein, calories, and water, the other responses do not address the client's concerns.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The client will not be able to speak after surgery. The nurse should assist the client to choose a communication method that he or she would like to use after surgery. Assessing the client's airway and administering IV pain medication are done after the procedure. Although ambulation promotes health and decreases the complications of any surgery, this client's gait should not be impacted by a total laryngectomy and therefore is not a priority.