Chapter 20, Caring for Clients With Upper Respiratory Disorders

1.You are caring for a client who is post–sinus surgery. When you assess this client, you ask him how many fingers you are holding up. Why do you assess postoperative visual acuity? A) To assess possible hemorrhage B) To assess damage to the optic nerve C) To assess postoperative infection D) To assess impaired drainage Ans: B Feedback: A client who has undergone a sinus surgery faces a serious risk of damage to the optic nerve. Therefore, the nurse assesses postoperative visual acuity by asking the client to identify the number of fingers displayed. To assess possible hemorrhage, the nurse observes the client for repeated swallowing. The nurse assesses for pain over the involved sinuses and not a postoperative infection or an impaired drainage. 2.You are caring for a client diagnosed with enlarged adenoids. What condition is produced by enlarged adenoids? A) Incrusted mucous membranes B) Hardened secretions C) Erosion of the trachea D) Noisy breathing Ans: D Feedback: Enlarged adenoids may produce nasal obstruction, noisy breathing, snoring, and a nasal quality to the voice. Incrustation of the mucous membranes in the trachea and the main bronchus occurs during the postoperative period following a tracheostomy. The long-term and short-term complications of tracheostomy include airway obstruction. These are caused by hardened secretions and erosion of the trachea. 3.You are performing a preoperative assessment on a client who is scheduled for a tonsillectomy. Why would you ask the client about the use of herbal supplements? A) They produce anorexia. B) They impair the immune system. C) They prolong bleeding. D) They lower