A patient scheduled for a total laryngectomy and radical neck dissection for cancer of the larynx asks the nurse, Will I be able to talk normally after surgery? What is the best response by the nurse?
a. You will breathe through a permanent opening in your neck, but you will not be able to communicate orally.
b. You won't be able to talk right after surgery, but you will be able to speak again after the tracheostomy tube is removed.
c. You won't be able to speak as you used to, but there are artificial voice devices that will give you the ability to speak normally.
d. You will have a permanent opening into your neck, and you will need to have rehabilitation for some type of voice restoration.
Question 2
The nurse completes discharge instructions for a patient with a total laryngectomy. Which statement by the patient indicates that additional instruction is needed?
a. I must keep the stoma covered with an occlusive dressing at all times.
b. I can participate in most of my prior fitness activities except swimming.
c. I should wear a Medic-Alert bracelet that identifies me as a neck breather.
d. I need to be sure that I have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed.
Patient Position for Posterior Percussion
neck, head and brain
The physician uses auscultation to listen to a patient’s heart.
Pneumonia patient’s chest x-ray. Note the irregular areas of density.
Overview: Nose, Pharynx, Larynx, and Trachea
Vocal cords in the larynx