The nurse is providing discharge education for a postoperative client who had a partial laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer. The client is concerned because the health care provider said there was damage to the ninth cranial nerve. Which statement made by the nurse is most appropriate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cranial nerve IX (glossopharyngeal) is involved in the gag reflex, ability to swallow, phonation, and taste. Postoperative partial laryngectomy clients will need to undergo evaluation by a speech pathologist to evaluate their ability to swallow safely to prevent aspiration. Clients are taught the supraglottic swallow, a technique that allows them to have voluntary control over closing the vocal cords to protect themselves from aspiration. Clients are instructed to: Inhale deeply Hold breath tightly to close the vocal cords Place food in mouth and swallow while continuing to hold breath Cough to dispel remaining food from vocal cords Swallow a second time before breathing (Option A) This would be considered "passing the buck." The nurse should try to address the client's concerns before calling the health care provider. (Option B) Cranial nerve VIII (vestibulocochlear) affects hearing and equilibrium, not swallowing. (Option C) The speech pathologist conducts a swallowing assessment early on to evaluate a client's ability to swallow safely. This consult is not done at discharge. Educational objective: Clients who undergo a partial laryngectomy are at increased risk for aspiration. As a result, they are taught a swallowing technique (supraglottic swallow) to decrease this risk.

The Nurse Is Providing Discharge Education for a Postoperative Client