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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A chocolate milkshake may be soothing, but it is not the best choice for a patient with bacterial pharyngitis due to its high sugar content, which can promote bacterial growth.
Choice B rationale
Chicken noodle soup is a good choice as it is soothing, easy to swallow, and provides necessary nutrients.
Choice C rationale
Vanilla ice cream, while soothing, is not the best choice due to its high sugar content.
Choice D rationale
Fruit-flavored popsicles, while soothing, are not the best choice due to their high sugar content.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The use of a Passy Muir speaking valve can be important for communication, but it is not the highest priority for discharge teaching.
Choice B rationale
Having the phone number of the healthcare provider to report complications is important, but it is not the highest priority. The patient needs to know how to prevent and recognize complications first.
Choice C rationale
While having emergency personal identification that the patient is unable to speak is important, it is not the highest priority. The patient’s immediate post-operative needs should be addressed first.
Choice D rationale
The ability to perform tracheostomy care is the highest priority for discharge teaching. This is a new and critical skill that the patient must learn to prevent complications, maintain the airway, and manage their own care at home.
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