You are caring for a patient who is to begin receiving external radiation for a malignant tumor of the head and neck
While doing patient education, what side effects should the nurse discuss with the patient that should be assessed because of the radiation treatment?
A) Impaired nutritional status
B) Pink oral mucosa
C) Diarrhea
D) Alopecia
Ans: A
Feedback: Alterations in oral mucosa, change and loss of taste, pain, and dysphasia often occur as a result of radiotherapy to the head and neck. The patient is at an increased risk of impaired nutritional status. Option B is incorrect; the oral mucosa is normally pink. Options C and D are incorrect; diarrhea and alopecia are not concerns for this patient.
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The nurse is reviewing the laboratory studies of a client, and notes a serum sodium value of 168 mEq/L. Expected clinical manifestations of this value would include:
1. Oliguria and fever. 2. Constipation and decreased blood pressure. 3. Muscle tremor and arrhythmias. 4. Dizziness and confusion.
A resident in a long-term care facility who has generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) enters the dining room on her walker and discovers that her regular place has been taken by a visitor
The resident becomes agitated and says, "I need my place so I can eat! I can't eat unless I am in my place!" The nurse's most effective intervention would be to say: a. "Go sit with Mrs. Smith right now. There is no one else at her table now." b. "We'll eat over here for lunch and at your regular place for supper." c. "Don't be silly! That chair is no different from any other chair in the room." d. "If you don't eat, you will be hungry."
The nurse is teaching a class on nutrition with a group of clients who need to cut sodium from the diet. Today's topic is learning how to correctly read nutritional labels and recognize sodium
Which of the following are ingredients that might be hiding sodium in various foods that the clients need to be aware of? Select all that apply. A) Casein D) Baking soda B) MSG E) Food coloring C) Gelatin F) Baking powder
_______ changes are the most severe problems from hyperkalemia and are the most common cause of death in patients with hyperkalemia.
Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).