Question 1

A patient sees an HCP for symptoms of viral rhinitis. Which treatments does the nurse expect to be prescribed for this patient? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Rest, fluids, and decongestants are commonly prescribed for viral rhinitis.

Question 2

The nurse is providing care for a patient diagnosed with influenza. The patient has a fever, chills, sore throat, and a cough. Breath sounds include crackles and wheezes. For which reason will the nurse contact the physician?

Accepted Answer

The presence of crackles and wheezes in a patient with influenza symptoms could indicate the development of pneumonia, a complication that requires immediate attention and possibly a change in treatment plan.

Question 3

After positioning a patient with epistaxis, which action will the nurse take next?

Accepted Answer

Applying ice to the nose and eye area helps constrict the blood vessels, which can reduce bleeding in cases of epistaxis (nosebleed). This is a common first aid measure for managing nosebleeds.

Question 4

A patient reports having a cold to the nurse in a HCP's office. Which symptoms does the patient report that causes the nurse to suspect influenza instead? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient reports having a cold to...

Question 5

The nurse is providing care for a patient who is 4 days postoperative for a laryngectomy. Which data about the patient indicates the need to modify the expected outcomes?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is providing care for a...

Question 6

A patient returns to the observation area after outpatient septoplasty for a deviated septum. Which observation will most concern the nurse?

Accepted Answer

Frequent swallowing after septoplasty may indicate that the patient is swallowing blood, suggesting a postoperative hemorrhage, which is a significant concern requiring immediate attention.

Question 7

The nurse is previewing teaching information for a patient who is diagnosed with noncancerous, chronic laryngitis. Which topic is least useful in addressing modifiable causes of the patient's condition?

Accepted Answer

Sensitivity to multiple allergens is less modifiable compared to smoking and alcohol use, which are lifestyle choices that can be changed to improve the condition.

Question 8

The nurse is providing care for a patient immediately after a tonsillectomy. Which action by the nurse should be avoided?

Accepted Answer

After a tonsillectomy, providing warm or hot beverages can increase the risk of bleeding by causing vasodilation. Sweetened beverages or food items like honey can also irritate the throat. Cold fluids are generally recommended to help with swelling and pain.

Question 9

An obese patient is being evaluated by the health care provider (HCP) for sleep apnea. Which recommendation by the HCP does the nurse find unexpected?

Accepted Answer

Using a sedative before sleeping is unexpected because sedatives can worsen sleep apnea by further relaxing the muscles in the throat, leading to increased airway obstruction.

Question 10

During the postoperative period, the nurse reinforces teaching to a patient recovering from a laryngectomy about how to live with a tracheostomy. Which information will the nurse review?

Accepted Answer

The nurse will review information about protecting the tracheostomy from pollutants such as powders, hair, and chemicals.

Question 11

The nurse is providing care for an adult patient with a diagnosis of viral rhinitis. The HCP orders acetaminophen and a decongestant. Comfort measures include rest and an increase in vitamin C and oral fluids. Which patient health information will cause the nurse to question one of the treatments?

Accepted Answer

Decongestants can raise blood pressure and may not be suitable for a patient with a history of hypertension, making it necessary for the nurse to question this treatment.

Question 12

The nurse instructs a patient with a nosebleed to sit up and lean slightly forward. For which reason does the nurse teach the patient to maintain this posture?

Accepted Answer

Leaning forward while sitting up helps prevent the blood from going down the back of the throat, which can lead to swallowing or aspirating the blood. This position allows the blood to drain out through the nostrils instead, which is safer and can help avoid nausea or respiratory issues that might arise from blood ingestion or inhalation.

Question 13

The nurse is reviewing patient teaching with a patient scheduled for a laryngectomy. For which reason will the nurse reinforce careful use of narcotics for postsurgical pain management?

Accepted Answer

Narcotics can depress the respiratory drive, leading to ineffective deep breathing and coughing, which are crucial for keeping the airway clear after surgery like a laryngectomy.

Question 14

The nurse is providing care for a patient who is hospitalized for complications from West Nile virus. Which data is most indicative that the patient is improving?

Accepted Answer

Being alert and oriented is a sign of neurological improvement, which is significant in West Nile virus recovery, as the virus can affect the nervous system.

Question 15

The family of a patient awaiting a laryngectomy for cancer asks how the patient will communicate. Which explanation will the nurse provide to the family?

Accepted Answer

Patients who have undergone a laryngectomy can learn esophageal speech, which involves swallowing air and then releasing it to produce sound.

Question 16

A patient comes to the HCP's office reporting a serious sore throat that "has lasted for 2 weeks." A rapid streptococcal antigen test is positive for strep throat. Which is the most important diagnostic test the nurse expects the HCP to order?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient comes to the HCP's office...

Question 17

The nurse is caring for a patient who is malnourished due to throat cancer. During the hospital stay following a laryngectomy, how does the nurse conclude that the patient's diet is adequate?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is caring for a patient...

Question 18

A patient is discharged from the emergency department after treatment for epistaxis. The physician orders that all home medications be continued. Which medication will the nurse question?

Accepted Answer

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can inhibit platelet aggregation and prolong bleeding time, which could potentially exacerbate or prolong epistaxis (nosebleeds). Therefore, it is appropriate for the nurse to question the continuation of ibuprofen in a patient who has just been treated for epistaxis.

Question 19

The nurse is preparing to reinforce teaching to a patient scheduled for a laryngectomy due to cancer. Which preoperative teaching review is least necessary for the immediate postoperative period?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is preparing to reinforce teaching...

Question 20

The nurse is collecting data from a patient with a sinus infection. The patient has purulent nasal drainage, fever, and pain over the cheeks and upper teeth. Which sinuses does the nurse identify as being involved in the patient's condition?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms of purulent nasal drainage, fever, and pain over the cheeks and upper teeth are indicative of maxillary sinus involvement, as these sinuses are located in the cheek area.

Quiz 30: Nursing Care of Patients With Upper Respiratory Tract Disorders