,NUR 2502 Exam 2 | Multidimensional Care III
(2026) Q&A | Rasmussen College
1. The nurse is assessing a client with suspected head and neck cancer. Which
factor significantly increases the risk for this disease?
A) Combined tobacco and alcohol use
B) Occasional voice rest
C) Frequent use of antihistamines
D) Low intake of citrus fruits
Correct Answer: A) Combined tobacco and alcohol use
Rationale: Tobacco and alcohol act synergistically to greatly increase the risk of
head and neck cancers. HPV infection is also a risk factor, but the combination
of tobacco and alcohol is the strongest known preventable cause. Voice rest and
diet are not primary risk factors.
2. The nurse is teaching a client about early signs of head and neck cancer.
Which symptom should prompt immediate evaluation?
A) Intermittent sneezing
B) Hoarseness persisting more than two weeks
C) Mild throat dryness
D) Occasional ear popping
Correct Answer: B) Hoarseness persisting more than two weeks
,Rationale: Persistent hoarseness is a key early sign of laryngeal cancer and must
be investigated. Transient hoarseness from a cold usually resolves within days.
The other symptoms are not characteristic warning signs.
3. The nurse is planning postoperative care for a client after a total
laryngectomy. Which nursing action is the highest priority?
A) Monitoring the surgical incision for infection
B) Administering prescribed pain medication
C) Maintaining a patent airway
D) Assessing the ability to swallow
Correct Answer: C) Maintaining a patent airway
Rationale: Airway patency is always the first priority after any surgery involving
the airway. The client breathes through a stoma and cannot be intubated orally.
Pain and infection are secondary to airway management.
4. The nurse is providing discharge instructions after a laryngectomy. Which
client statement indicates correct understanding?
A) "I will keep the stoma uncovered at all times."
B) "I can resume swimming immediately."
C) "I will use a humidifier to moisten the air."
D) "A loose scarf over my stoma will help protect it and filter air."
Correct Answer: D) "A loose scarf over my stoma will help protect it and filter
air."
, Rationale: Covering the stoma with a loose, breathable fabric filters airborne
particles and maintains humidity. The stoma must be protected from water;
humidifiers are helpful but the scarf is a basic protective measure. Swimming is
contraindicated without a special device.
5. The nurse is assessing the stoma of a client after laryngectomy. Which finding
requires immediate intervention?
A) Slight redness around the stoma
B) Small amount of mucus on the stoma
C) Mild crusting at the edges
D) Purulent drainage from the stoma
Correct Answer: D) Purulent drainage from the stoma
Rationale: Purulent drainage indicates a wound infection that can quickly
become serious near the airway. Mild redness, mucus, and crusting are common
and can be managed with routine stoma care. Infection requires prompt
medical evaluation.
6. The nurse is caring for a client receiving radiation to the head and neck.
Which side effect should be the priority for nursing intervention?
A) Mucositis and difficulty swallowing
B) Alopecia
C) Peripheral neuropathy
D) Bone marrow suppression
Correct Answer: A) Mucositis and difficulty swallowing
(2026) Q&A | Rasmussen College
1. The nurse is assessing a client with suspected head and neck cancer. Which
factor significantly increases the risk for this disease?
A) Combined tobacco and alcohol use
B) Occasional voice rest
C) Frequent use of antihistamines
D) Low intake of citrus fruits
Correct Answer: A) Combined tobacco and alcohol use
Rationale: Tobacco and alcohol act synergistically to greatly increase the risk of
head and neck cancers. HPV infection is also a risk factor, but the combination
of tobacco and alcohol is the strongest known preventable cause. Voice rest and
diet are not primary risk factors.
2. The nurse is teaching a client about early signs of head and neck cancer.
Which symptom should prompt immediate evaluation?
A) Intermittent sneezing
B) Hoarseness persisting more than two weeks
C) Mild throat dryness
D) Occasional ear popping
Correct Answer: B) Hoarseness persisting more than two weeks
,Rationale: Persistent hoarseness is a key early sign of laryngeal cancer and must
be investigated. Transient hoarseness from a cold usually resolves within days.
The other symptoms are not characteristic warning signs.
3. The nurse is planning postoperative care for a client after a total
laryngectomy. Which nursing action is the highest priority?
A) Monitoring the surgical incision for infection
B) Administering prescribed pain medication
C) Maintaining a patent airway
D) Assessing the ability to swallow
Correct Answer: C) Maintaining a patent airway
Rationale: Airway patency is always the first priority after any surgery involving
the airway. The client breathes through a stoma and cannot be intubated orally.
Pain and infection are secondary to airway management.
4. The nurse is providing discharge instructions after a laryngectomy. Which
client statement indicates correct understanding?
A) "I will keep the stoma uncovered at all times."
B) "I can resume swimming immediately."
C) "I will use a humidifier to moisten the air."
D) "A loose scarf over my stoma will help protect it and filter air."
Correct Answer: D) "A loose scarf over my stoma will help protect it and filter
air."
, Rationale: Covering the stoma with a loose, breathable fabric filters airborne
particles and maintains humidity. The stoma must be protected from water;
humidifiers are helpful but the scarf is a basic protective measure. Swimming is
contraindicated without a special device.
5. The nurse is assessing the stoma of a client after laryngectomy. Which finding
requires immediate intervention?
A) Slight redness around the stoma
B) Small amount of mucus on the stoma
C) Mild crusting at the edges
D) Purulent drainage from the stoma
Correct Answer: D) Purulent drainage from the stoma
Rationale: Purulent drainage indicates a wound infection that can quickly
become serious near the airway. Mild redness, mucus, and crusting are common
and can be managed with routine stoma care. Infection requires prompt
medical evaluation.
6. The nurse is caring for a client receiving radiation to the head and neck.
Which side effect should be the priority for nursing intervention?
A) Mucositis and difficulty swallowing
B) Alopecia
C) Peripheral neuropathy
D) Bone marrow suppression
Correct Answer: A) Mucositis and difficulty swallowing
