A patient with asthma is admitted with severe dyspnea and is unable to speak. The nurse finds that the patient looks drowsy and confused. Which other finding would the nurse expect?

A. While tissue integrity is important, the primary concern immediately postoperatively for a patient who has undergone a partial laryngectomy is ensuring that the airway is open and clear.
B. Airway patency should be assessed first because this surgery involves the upper airway structures, and complications such as obstruction, swelling, or bleeding could compromise the airway and lead to respiratory distress.
C. Pain severity should be assessed as part of routine care, but airway patency takes precedence to prevent respiratory complications.
D. Wound drainage should be monitored but does not take priority over airway assessment in the immediate postoperative period.

A. Fatigue: While fatigue can occur in lung cancer patients, it is not the most common symptom. Fatigue is more of a generalized symptom that can be seen in many diseases, not specific to lung cancer.
B. Hoarseness: Hoarseness can be a symptom of lung cancer, particularly if a tumor is affecting the laryngeal nerves. However, it is less common than a persistent cough and is not usually the initial symptom.
C. Anorexia: Anorexia (loss of appetite) can occur in patients with advanced cancer, including lung cancer, but it is not the most common presenting symptom. Weight loss due to anorexia is more common in later stages.
D. Persistent cough: This is the correct answer. A persistent cough is the most common symptom of lung cancer, especially in the early stages. The cough may be dry or productive and is often overlooked or mistaken for a chronic respiratory condition. It is frequently one of the first signs that leads to further investigation and diagnosis.