A nurse is caring for a patient who reports experiencing an alteration in sense of smell following surgery for a total laryngectomy.
The nurse should address the patient’s concern through which of the following responses?
“As your appetite returns, your sense of smell will also return.”.
“Your body will slowly develop an ability to smell through your stoma.”.
“Your sense of smell will gradually return after several months.”.
“Breathing through a stoma has altered your sense of smell.”.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
While it’s true that appetite and sense of smell are closely linked, the return of appetite does not necessarily mean the return of the sense of smell, especially after a total laryngectomy.
Choice B rationale
The body does not develop an ability to smell through the stoma. The sense of smell is primarily mediated by the olfactory nerve (Cranial Nerve I), which is located in the upper part of the nasal cavity.
Choice C rationale
The sense of smell does not typically return after several months following a total laryngectomy. This is because the surgery involves removal of the larynx and separation of the airway from the mouth, nose and throat.
Choice D rationale
Breathing through a stoma after a total laryngectomy does alter the sense of smell. This is because the nose and mouth are bypassed during breathing, and these are the primary routes for smell.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Thinking critically is a fundamental skill in nursing. It involves the ability to question, analyze, and evaluate care processes and outcomes. Critical thinking allows nurses to make informed decisions, prioritize tasks, and solve problems efficiently and effectively, which ultimately leads to safe, quality, patient-centered care.
Choice B rationale
Evaluating outcomes at the start of the shift is not typically recommended. Instead, continuous evaluation throughout the shift is more beneficial. This allows for timely interventions and adjustments to the care plan as needed.
Choice C rationale
Communication is a vital aspect of patient-centered care. Effective communication ensures that all members of the healthcare team, including the patient, are informed about the patient’s care plan. This promotes collaboration, improves patient outcomes, and enhances patient satisfaction.
Choice D rationale
Planning and reporting outcomes are crucial components of the nursing process. They enable the tracking of progress, facilitate communication among healthcare providers, and ensure that care is aligned with the patient’s goals.
Choice E rationale
Evaluating outcomes at the end of the shift is important as it provides an opportunity to assess the effectiveness of interventions, make necessary adjustments to the care plan, and ensure continuity of care.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Restlessness in a client with a tracheostomy could indicate respiratory distress or hypoxia. It’s important for the nurse to further assess the client’s vital signs, oxygen saturation, and overall appearance.
Choice B rationale
A SaO2 of 92% on 40% humidified oxygen via tracheostomy collar is within the acceptable range for a client with a tracheostomy. However, it’s important to consider the client’s baseline SaO2 and any changes in their condition.
Choice C rationale
Scattered rhonchi throughout the lung fields could indicate secretions in the airways. However, this finding alone does not necessarily indicate a problem with the tracheostomy.
Choice D rationale
Suctioning of thin clear secretions from a tracheostomy is a routine part of tracheostomy care. This finding does not necessarily indicate a problem with the tracheostomy.
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