After a client's neck dissection surgery resulted in damage to the superior laryngeal nerve, what area of assessment should the nurse prioritize?
- A. The client's swallowing ability
- B. The client's ability to speak
- C. The client's management of secretions
- D. The client's airway patency
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: The client's swallowing ability. Damage to the superior laryngeal nerve can lead to swallowing difficulties, as it innervates the muscles involved in swallowing. Prioritizing assessment of swallowing ability is crucial to prevent aspiration and ensure adequate nutrition intake.
Incorrect choices:
B: The client's ability to speak - Damage to the superior laryngeal nerve mainly affects swallowing, not speech.
C: The client's management of secretions - While important, it is secondary to swallowing assessment in this context.
D: The client's airway patency - Although important, focusing on swallowing ability is more directly related to the nerve damage.
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A 70-year-old man presents with weight loss, jaundice, and a palpable mass in the right upper quadrant. Laboratory tests reveal elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Gallstones
- B. Hepatitis
- C. Pancreatic cancer
- D. Primary biliary cirrhosis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most likely diagnosis in this case is pancreatic cancer (Choice C) based on the constellation of symptoms including weight loss, jaundice, palpable mass in the right upper quadrant, and elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels. These findings are indicative of a pancreatic head mass causing obstruction of the common bile duct, leading to jaundice and elevated liver enzymes. Gallstones (Choice A) typically present with colicky pain, not a palpable mass. Hepatitis (Choice B) would present with different liver enzyme patterns and usually lacks a palpable mass. Primary biliary cirrhosis (Choice D) typically presents with pruritus and fatigue, not a palpable mass and jaundice.
A 45-year-old woman presents with fatigue, pruritus, and jaundice. Laboratory tests reveal elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels. Imaging shows a normal common bile duct but dilated intrahepatic bile ducts. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Primary biliary cirrhosis
- B. Primary sclerosing cholangitis
- C. Gallstones
- D. Pancreatic cancer
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most likely diagnosis for the 45-year-old woman with fatigue, pruritus, jaundice, elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels, and dilated intrahepatic bile ducts is Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC). PBC is an autoimmune liver disease that primarily affects middle-aged women, leading to bile duct destruction and liver damage. The elevated alkaline phosphatase levels and presence of pruritus are typical in PBC due to impaired bile flow. Imaging showing dilated intrahepatic bile ducts supports the diagnosis of PBC as it indicates bile duct damage.
Summary of other choices:
B: Primary sclerosing cholangitis typically presents with strictures and beading of bile ducts on imaging.
C: Gallstones would typically present with a common bile duct obstruction and not dilated intrahepatic bile ducts.
D: Pancreatic cancer would typically present with different imaging findings and symptoms such as
A healthcare professional is educating a group of recent nursing graduates about their risks for contracting hepatitis B. What preventative measure should the professional promote?
- A. Immunization
- B. Chronic tonsillitis
- C. Consumption of a vitamin-rich diet
- D. Annual vitamin K injections
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Immunization. Hepatitis B is a viral infection transmitted through exposure to infected blood or body fluids. Immunization with the hepatitis B vaccine is the most effective preventative measure, providing long-term protection against the virus. Chronic tonsillitis (B) is unrelated to hepatitis B prevention. Consumption of a vitamin-rich diet (C) and annual vitamin K injections (D) do not offer protection against hepatitis B. Immunization is the best choice due to its proven efficacy in preventing hepatitis B transmission.
A client with a history of chronic alcohol abuse is at risk for which of the following conditions?
- A. Liver cirrhosis
- B. Renal failure
- C. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- D. Peptic ulcer disease
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Liver cirrhosis. Chronic alcohol abuse is a leading cause of liver cirrhosis due to the toxic effects of alcohol on the liver over time. Alcohol metabolism leads to liver inflammation, scarring, and ultimately cirrhosis. Renal failure (B) is not directly linked to alcohol abuse but can occur in severe cases. COPD (C) is primarily caused by smoking, not alcohol abuse. Peptic ulcer disease (D) can be exacerbated by alcohol but is not directly caused by chronic alcohol abuse. Therefore, the most significant risk for a client with a history of chronic alcohol abuse is developing liver cirrhosis.
A client with long-standing obesity has been prescribed phentermine/topiramate-ER. What statement by the client suggests that further health education is necessary?
- A. I'm so relieved to start this medication. I really don't like having to exercise or change what I eat.
- B. It's hard to believe that there are actually medications that can treat obesity.
- C. I'm a bit nervous to start this medication because I know I'll need blood tests sometimes.
- D. I'm going to have to do some rearranging of my finances to make sure I can afford this medication.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the client's statement indicates a lack of understanding about the comprehensive approach needed to address obesity. Phentermine/topiramate-ER is not a standalone solution; it is most effective when used in conjunction with lifestyle changes like exercise and dietary modifications. By expressing a dislike for exercise and dietary changes, the client demonstrates a reliance solely on the medication, which is not conducive to long-term weight management. This suggests a need for further education on the importance of holistic lifestyle modifications in conjunction with medication therapy.
Choice B is incorrect because the client expressing disbelief at medications for obesity is not necessarily indicative of a need for further education; it may simply reflect surprise or lack of awareness. Choice C is incorrect as the client's nervousness about blood tests is a common concern and does not necessarily indicate a need for more education. Choice D is also incorrect as financial concerns are valid but do not directly relate to the need for additional health education.