Question 1

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

A)  The antiviral medication appears to be ineffective.
B)  The patient needs IV fluids to loosen lung secretions.
C)  The breath sounds indicate development of pneumonia.
D)  The patient is experiencing bronchial irritation from coughing. C

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

A)  Maintain the patient in a semi-Fowler's position.
B)  Monitor the patient for bleeding and airway maintenance.
C)  Provide the patient with warm tea sweetened with honey.
D)  Place a humidifier and suction equipment in the patient's room. C

Question 3

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

A)  The patient has clear lung sounds and coughs up secretions.
B)  The patient achieves an acceptable pain level with use of a patient-controlled pump.
C)  The patient begins to ask about how to perform tracheostomy care.
D)  The patient uses both a magic slate and picture board for communication. B

Question 4

A patient is diagnosed with sinusitis and reports pain over the cheeks and upper teeth in addition to pain between and behind the eyes. The pain locations are indicative of inflammation in the maxillary and ___________ sinuses.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient is diagnosed with sinusitis and...

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

A)  Monitor for the level of pain.
B)  Place warm packs on the nose.
C)  Apply ice to the nose and eye area.
D)  Irrigate the nasal passages with sterile saline.

Question 6

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

A)  The patient is alert and oriented.
B)  Patient states skin itching has subsided.
C)  The patient has completed IV antibiotics.
D)  Patient shows no mosquito allergy symptoms.

Question 7

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

A)  "Avoid suctioning your tracheostomy at home; you could damage your trachea."
B)  "When in public, you should be prepared for people to ask questions about your condition."
C)  "You will be able to return to your normal activities, including showering and swimming."
D)  "Be sure to protect your tracheostomy from pollutants such as powders, hair, and chemicals."

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

A)  The patient swallows frequently.
B)  The patient's blood pressure is 136/88 mm Hg.
C)  The patient complains of tenderness in the nasal area.
D)  The patient's moustache dressing has a 2-centimeter area of blood on it.

Question 9

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

A)  The patient's weight is stable postoperatively.
B)  The patient's incision displays complete healing.
C)  The patient has active bowel sounds in all quadrants.
D)  The patient is tolerating intermittent tube feedings.

Question 10

A patient is diagnosed with nasal polyps. For which additional health problems should the nurse assess this patient? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A)  Asthma
B)  Chronic sinusitis
C)  Allergy to aspirin
D)  Chronic bronchitis
E)  Allergy to pet dander

Question 11

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

A)  Ethmoid
B)  Frontal
C)  Nasal
D)  Maxillary

Question 12

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

A)  History of smoking two packs daily
B)  Repeated treatment for alcohol abuse 3.35 pounds overweight
C)  Sensitivity to multiple allergens

Question 13

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

A)  To prevent dizziness or syncope
B)  To reduce bleeding from the anterior plexus
C)  To help prevent symptoms of shock due to blood loss
D)  To avoid unseen blood from being swallowed or aspirated

Question 14

A patient is demonstrating signs of pharyngitis. Which symptoms will the nurse expect to assess in this patient? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A)  Headache
B)  Dysphagia
C)  Sore throat
D)  Extreme thirst
E)  Exudate in the throat

Question 15

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

A)  To avoid unnecessary incision stress from straining for a bowel movement
B)  To decrease the possibility of drug dependency after discharge home
C)  To avoid pneumonia from increased respiratory tract secretions
D)  To prevent ineffective deep breathing and coughing to clear the airway

Question 16

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

A)  Ibuprofen
B)  Furosemide
C)  Amlodipine
D)  Montelukast sodium

Question 17

The release of histamine and other substances causes vasodilation and edema. The resulting inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes is called ________________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The release of histamine and other substances...

Question 18

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

A)  "Classes on sign language will be provided for the patient and family."
B)  "A special valve that diverts air into the trachea allows patients to talk."
C)  "Patients can be taught to swallow air and talk as air is let out of the esophagus."
D)  "I'm sorry, but unfortunately, patients with laryngectomies cannot communicate."

Question 19

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

A)  Sore throat
B)  Severe muscle aches
C)  Runny nose
D)  Persistent cough
E)  Sudden onset of symptoms

Question 20

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

A)  Rest
B)  Fluids
C)  Decongestants
D)  Bronchodilators
E)  Antibacterial agents

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