A patient who needs a radical neck dissection for oral cancer ...

[lbcchick]

A patient who needs a radical neck dissection for oral cancer continues to delay the surgery. The nurse should consider that which issue may be influencing the patient's decision-making process?
 
  1. potential for change in body image
  2. future problem with communication
  3. fear about not being able to eat
  4. fear about being able to breathe

Question 2

The nurse learns that an older patient with ill-fitting dentures has been using an over-the-counter (OTC) preparation for a gum sore over the last month. What should the nurse instruct this patient to do?
 
  1. make an appointment to see the physician
  2. continue to use the preparation
  3. change the preparation
  4. stop wearing the dentures

[Moriaki]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
Radical surgery of the head or neck seriously affects body image. Patients may defer lifesaving surgery to postpone disfiguring interventions or therapies. There is not enough information to determine if the patient is postponing surgery because of a fear of problems with communication, eating, or breathing.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1
The nurse should encourage patients with ill-fitting dentures or other dental prostheses (such as partial plates) to see a qualified dentist or denturist. Because the current OTC remedy is not effective, the patient should stop using it and see the physician before using a different OTC preparation. Not wearing the dentures can lead to nutritional problems and social isolation.

[lbcchick]

Thank you

[Moriaki]

Happy to help you