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TL Laryngeal Cancer
Nursing of the adult with cancer of the larynx/laryngectomy
Question | Answer |
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Define cancer of the larynx. | neoplasm of the larynx, most commonly squamous cell in origin |
Name two lifestyle choices that are directly linked to the development of cancer of the larynx. | pronlonged alcohol and tobacco use |
What are some factors that contribute to cancer of the larynx(5)? | vocal straining, chronic laryngitis, family predisposition, industrial exposure/carcinogens, nutritional deficits |
How do risks for laryngeal cancer differ between men and women? | Men are 8x more likely to be affected |
Laryngeal cancer is usually diagnosed between what ages? | 55 and 70 |
What is the earliest sign/symptom of cancer of the larynx? | hoarseness or change in vocal quality |
What is the usual treatment for cancer of the larynx? | radiation therapy often with adjuvant chemotherapy or surgical removal of the larynx |
What is the term for surgical removal of the larynx? | Laryngectomy |
What might the nurse find during the assessment of the client with cancer of the larynx? | hoarseness for longer than 2 wks, color changes in mouth or tongue, dysphagia, dyspnea, cough, hemoptysis, weight loss, neck pain that may radiate to the ear, enlarged cervical lymph nodes, halitosis (later) |
What appearance might the nurse find on inspection of the mouth of a client with cancer of the larynx? | tongue and mouth may appear white, gray, dark brown, or black and may appear patchy |
Name some diagnostic tests that may be used to detect cancer of the larynx. | MRI, laryngoscopy, radiography, CT and biopsy |
Name three applicable nursing diagnoses for the client undergoing a laryngectomy. | anxienty; ineffective airway clearance; impaired verbal communication |
What preoperative nursing interventions apply to the client who is going to have a laryngectomy? | Explain the hows and whys of suctioning after surgery; give the client some hands on with tracheostomey tubes and suctioning equipment; work out acceptable alternate means of communication; discuss rehab program; refer to speech pathologist |
Discuss communication with the postoperative laryngectomy client. | simplify communication, use planned alternative communication, keep call light close to client, ask yes/no questions whenever possible |
What nursing interventions promote respiratory function post laryngectomy. | assess repiratory rate and characteristeic q1-2 hours; Semi-fowler position; keep laryngeal airway humidified; auscultate lung sounds q 2-4 hours; tracheostomy care q 2-4 hours and PRN |
What three tasks are included in tracheostomy care? | clean the inner cannula, suctioning, apply clean dressing |
What nursing intervention addresses nutritional needs of the laryngectomy client? | tube feeding as prescribed |
What nursing interventions promote speedy healing and rehabilitation of the laryngectomy client? | Early ambulation and referral for speech rahabiliation with artificial larynx to learn esophageal speech |
Explain the reasoning for the need to humidify the laryngeal airway for a laryngectomy patient. | The larygectomy patient has lost the nasobronchial pathway that would normally supply humidity to the air entering the lungs. Without humidification, dryer air in the lungs causes secretions to thicken. |
What are the greatest postoperative risks for the laryngectomy patient in the first 24 hours? | bleeding or occlusion of the laryngectomy tube |
What is the size difference between a laryngectomy tube and a tracheostomy tube? | the laryngectomy tube has a larger lumen and is shorter |
Fear of choking is very real for the laryngectomy patient. Why is that? What can be done about it? | the glottis is gone. Teach the glottal stop technique to remove secretions. |
Describe the glottal stop technique. | Take a deep breath, occlude the tube, cough, and simultaneously remove the finger from the tube. |