A nurse is planning care for a client who is receiving radiation therapy to treat throat cancer and reports a change in the taste of food. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Offer artificial saliva frequently.
Provide three large meals daily.
Add honey to sweeten fruit smoothies.
Heat food before serving.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A: This is correct because offering artificial saliva frequently can help moisten the mouth and improve the taste of food. Radiation therapy can cause dry mouth and altered taste sensation.
Choice B: This is incorrect because providing three large meals daily can be overwhelming and unappetizing for the client. The nurse should provide small, frequent meals that are high in protein and calories.
Choice C: This is incorrect because adding honey to sweeten fruit smoothies can irritate the throat and increase the risk of infection. The nurse should avoid foods that are acidic, spicy, or sticky.
Choice D: This is incorrect because heating food before serving can enhance the unpleasant taste and smell of food. The nurse should serve food cold or at room temperature.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: The nurse should contact the provider to clarify the prescription because applying heat to an area with impaired sensation can cause burns or tissue damage. The nurse should also educate the client about the risks of using heat therapy and alternative methods to relieve pain.
Choice B reason: The Semmes Weinstein monofilament test is used to assess the sensation of light touch in clients with peripheral neuropathy. The nurse should perform this test before applying any intervention that could affect the skin integrity, such as heat, cold, or compression.
Choice C reason: Observing the skin 10 min after the start of treatment is not sufficient to prevent complications from heat therapy. The nurse should monitor the skin continuously and check for signs of redness, blisters, or burns.
Choice D reason: Applying the heating pad as prescribed by the provider is not appropriate for a client with diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities. Heat can increase blood flow and inflammation in the affected area, which can worsen the condition and increase the risk of infection.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Taking the medication right before eating breakfast is not an appropriate instruction, as it can reduce the absorption and effectiveness of alendronate, which is a bisphosphonate drug that inhibits bone resorption and increases bone density. The client should take the medication at least 30 min before eating or drinking anything other than water.
Choice B reason: Drinking milk with the medication is not an appropriate instruction, as it can interfere with the absorption and effectiveness of alendronate, which can bind to calcium and other minerals and form insoluble complexes that are excreted in feces. The client should avoid consuming dairy products or supplements that contain calcium, iron, magnesium, or aluminum for at least 30 min after taking the medication.
Choice C reason: Staying upright for 30 to 60 min after taking the medication is an appropriate instruction, as it can prevent esophageal irritation or ulceration that can be caused by alendronate, which can be corrosive to the mucosa if it remains in contact with it for too long. The client should not lie down or bend over until after their first food of the day.
Choice D reason: Chewing the tablets thoroughly is not an appropriate instruction, as it can increase the risk of esophageal irritation or ulceration that can be caused by alendronate, which can be abrasive to the mucosa if it is not swallowed whole with a full glass of water. The client should not crush, break, or dissolve the tablets in any liquid.
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