Which patient in the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) clinic should the nurse assess first?
a. A 23-year-old who is complaining of a sore throat and has a muffled voice
b. A 34-year-old who has a "scratchy throat" and a positive rapid strep antigen test
c. A 55-year-old who is receiving radiation for throat cancer and has severe fatigue
d. A 72-year-old with a history of a total laryngectomy whose stoma is red and inflamed
ANS: A
The patient's clinical manifestation of a muffled voice suggests a possible peritonsillar abscess that could lead to an airway obstruction requiring rapid assessment and potential treatment. The other patients do not have diagnoses or symptoms that indicate any life-threatening problems.
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