The nurse is caring for a client who has been admitted with a diagnosis of esophageal cancer.
The client reports a pain level of 8 on a 0 to 10 pain scale, dysphagia, anorexia, anxiety, and a hoarse voice. Which nursing problem is the priority for this client?

Chronic pain related to tissue destruction by tumor.

Anxiety and grieving related to progression of disease.

Risk for aspiration related to difficulty swallowing.

Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale:

Chronic pain is a significant concern for this client, but it is not the immediate priority. Pain can be managed with medications and comfort measures, while aspiration can be life-threatening.

Tissue destruction by the tumor is likely contributing to the pain, but addressing the risk of aspiration takes precedence.

Uncontrolled pain can exacerbate anxiety and make it difficult to focus on other interventions, but ensuring airway safety is paramount.

Choice B rationale:

Anxiety and grieving are expected reactions to a diagnosis of esophageal cancer, and they should be addressed as part of the client's care plan. However, they are not the immediate priority in this case.

The progression of the disease is a significant stressor, but attending to the risk of aspiration is essential for the client's safety. Psychological distress can negatively impact coping and quality of life, but addressing physical needs takes precedence.

Choice D rationale:

Imbalanced nutrition is a concern for this client due to dysphagia and anorexia. However, it is not the immediate priority. Nutritional interventions can be implemented once the risk of aspiration is addressed.

Difficulty swallowing can lead to inadequate intake and malnutrition, but ensuring airway safety is the primary concern.

Anorexia can further contribute to nutritional deficits, but preventing aspiration is the most pressing issue.

Choice C is the priority nursing problem because:

The client's dysphagia puts them at immediate risk for aspiration, which can lead to pneumonia, respiratory failure, and even death.

Addressing the risk of aspiration is essential to ensure the client's safety and prevent life-threatening complications. It's crucial to implement interventions to minimize the risk of aspiration, such as:

Elevating the head of the bed during meals and for 30-60 minutes after eating Thickening liquids and pureeing foods

Encouraging small, frequent meals

Monitoring for signs of aspiration, such as coughing, choking, or difficulty breathing

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Rationale for Choice A: Dysrhythmia

There is no information in the question stem to suggest that the patient is experiencing a dysrhythmia.

Dysrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms that can be caused by a variety of factors, including heart disease, electrolyte imbalances, and medications.

While it is possible that the patient could develop a dysrhythmia as a complication of pneumonia, there is no evidence to support this in the given information.

Additionally, enalapril, which the patient is taking for hypertension, is not typically associated with an increased risk of dysrhythmias.

Rationale for Choice B: Toxicity

There is no information in the question stem to suggest that the patient is experiencing toxicity.

Toxicity can be caused by a variety of substances, including medications, drugs, and environmental toxins.

While it is possible that the patient could develop toxicity as a complication of pneumonia, there is no evidence to support this in the given information.

Additionally, the patient's medication regimen of enalapril and a multivitamin is not typically associated with an increased risk of toxicity.

Rationale for Choice C: Anemia

There is no information in the question stem to suggest that the patient is anemic.

Anemia is a condition in which there is a decreased number of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood.

While it is possible that the patient could develop anemia as a complication of pneumonia, there is no evidence to support this in the given information.

Additionally, the patient's surgical history of adenoid removal and a fractured tibia is not typically associated with an increased risk of anemia.

Rationale for Choice D: Pneumonia

The patient is a 51-year-old male with a diagnosis of pneumonia.

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

The patient's symptoms, such as cough, fever, and difficulty breathing, are all consistent with a diagnosis of pneumonia.

Additionally, the patient's medical history of hypertension does not rule out pneumonia, and in fact, some studies have shown that hypertension may be a risk factor for developing pneumonia.

Therefore, pneumonia is the most likely condition that the patient has based on the information provided.

A. Instruct the client to avoid foods with gluten, such as wheat bread. B. Describe the use of an elimination diet to find trigger foods. C. Advise the client to limit foods that are high in calcium and iron. D. Explain that the need to restrict fluids is the primary limitation.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

While some individuals with Crohn's disease may find that avoiding gluten improves their symptoms, this is not a universal recommendation.

Gluten restriction is more often indicated for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

It's important to individualize dietary recommendations based on personal triggers and sensitivities.

Choice B rationale:

An elimination diet is a systematic approach to identifying foods that may trigger or worsen Crohn's disease symptoms.

It involves removing certain foods from the diet for a period of time, typically 2-4 weeks, and then gradually reintroducing them one at a time to observe any reactions.

This process can help individuals pinpoint specific foods that contribute to their symptoms and make informed dietary choices to manage their condition.

Choice C rationale:

There is no evidence to support a general restriction of calcium and iron in individuals with Crohn's disease.

In fact, these nutrients are essential for overall health and should be consumed in adequate amounts unless a specific deficiency or intolerance is identified.

Restriction of these nutrients could lead to nutritional deficiencies.

Choice D rationale:

Fluid restriction is not a primary dietary limitation for individuals with Crohn's disease.

Maintaining adequate hydration is crucial for overall health, especially during flares when fluid loss through diarrhea may be increased.

Restricting fluids could potentially lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

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The nurse is caring for a client who has been admitted with a diagnosis of esophageal cancer.The client reports a pain level of 8 on a 0 to 10 pain scale, dysphagia, anorexia, anxiety, and a hoarse voice. Which nursing problem is the priority for this client?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client with newly diagnosed Crohn's disease asks the nurse about dietary restrictions. How should the nurse respond?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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The nurse is caring for a client who has been admitted with a diagnosis of esophageal cancer.
The client reports a pain level of 8 on a 0 to 10 pain scale, dysphagia, anorexia, anxiety, and a hoarse voice. Which nursing problem is the priority for this client?