The family of a patient awaiting a laryngectomy asks how the patient will communicate. Which of the following statements by the nurse is correct?
a. "A plug can be placed into the stoma to talk."
b. "A special valve that diverts air into the trachea allows patients to talk."
c. "Patients can be taught to swallow air and talk as air is let out of the esophagus."
d. "I'm sorry, but unfortunately, patients with laryngectomies cannot communicate."
ANS: C
Esophageal speech is one method of communicating with a laryngectomy. A plug will close off the patient's airway—it would only be used with a tracheostomy that is not associated with a laryngectomy. A valve can divert air into the esophagus, not the trachea. D is inappropriate and incorrect.
You might also like to view...
The nurse is caring for a patient scheduled to have a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study. Which instructions will be included in the teaching? (Select all that apply.)
a. There is only minimal radiation exposure. b. All metal objects, including dental bridges, jewelry, and body piercings, must be removed. c. It will be necessary to be NPO for 4 hours before the procedure. d. A radiopaque medium may be injected during the procedure. e. There may be a tingling sensation in metal alloy filling of the teeth.
Keep vegetables and fruits separate from raw meat, poultry, and seafood while shopping, pre-paring, and storing food
Indicate whether the statement is true or false.
Which is most suggestive that a nurse has a nontherapeutic relationship with a patient and family?
a. Staff is concerned about the nurse's actions with the patient and family. b. Staff assignments allow the nurse to care for same patient and family over an extended time. c. Nurse is able to withdraw emotionally when emotional overload occurs but still remains committed. d. Nurse uses teaching skills to instruct patient and family rather than doing everything for them.
________ is an inflammation of the joints that starts when there is an excess of uric acid in the bloodstream.
Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).