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.”.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale
While being able to drink water through a straw without choking is a positive sign, it is not the primary indicator that a patient can safely resume oral liquids after a bronchoscopy. The primary indicator is the return of the patient’s cough and swallowing reflexes.
Choice B rationale
The patient has intact cough and swallowing reflexes is the primary indicator that a patient can safely resume oral liquids after a bronchoscopy. These reflexes are essential for preventing aspiration, which can lead to pneumonia.
Choice C rationale
While clear breath sounds upon auscultation are a positive sign, they are not the primary indicator that a patient can safely resume oral liquids after a bronchoscopy. The primary indicator is the return of the patient’s cough and swallowing reflexes.
Choice D rationale
The absence of a sore throat is not the primary indicator that a patient can safely resume oral liquids after a bronchoscopy. The primary indicator is the return of the patient’s cough and swallowing reflexes.

A. Skin breakdown. B. Pneumonia. C. Thrombosis. D. Atelectasis.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale
While skin breakdown can occur due to prolonged bed rest, it is not directly related to shallow respirations and refusal to cough or get out of bed.
Choice B rationale
Pneumonia is a possible complication due to immobility and shallow breathing. However, it is not the most immediate risk for a postoperative client who is refusing to cough or get out of bed.
Choice C rationale
Thrombosis is a risk associated with immobility, but it is not directly related to shallow respirations.
Choice D rationale
Atelectasis, or the collapse of alveoli in the lungs, is a common complication after surgery due to shallow breathing and lack of movement. This condition leads to reduced or absent gas exchange, which can further complicate the client’s recovery.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a patient who has just returned to the unit following a bronchoscopy and requests coffee. The nurse assesses that it is safe for the patient to resume oral liquids when which of the following behaviors is demonstrated?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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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?