Question

The nurse is caring for a client with laryngeal cancer. Which finding ascertained in the health history would not be common for this diagnosis? A. Foul breath B. Dysphagia C. Diarrhea D. Chronic hiccups

Short answer

A. Foul breath B. Dysphagia C. Diarrhea D. Chronic hiccups Answer: C. Diarrhea

Step-by-step solution

List the common symptoms of laryngeal cancer

First, research and list the common symptoms of laryngeal cancer to better understand which signs are related to this diagnosis. Common symptoms can include: - Hoarseness or changes in voice - Throat pain or difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) - Persistent cough - Foul breath - Lump in the neck - Ear pain - Unexplained weight loss - Chronic hiccups

Compare the list of common symptoms with the given options

Compare the list of common symptoms to the four options in the exercise (foul breath, dysphagia, diarrhea, and chronic hiccups). Determine which option is not typically associated with laryngeal cancer.

Identify the option that is not a common symptom of laryngeal cancer

Upon comparison, it's evident that diarrhea is not listed as a common symptom of laryngeal cancer. Therefore, the correct answer is option C. Diarrhea. In conclusion, the finding in the health history that would not be common for a client with laryngeal cancer is: C. Diarrhea

Key concepts

NCLEX-PN Exam Preparation

Embarking on your NCLEX-PN exam preparation journey can be a daunting task, but understanding the intricacies of oncology nursing, including the management and assessment of conditions such as laryngeal cancer, is a crucial component. Prioritize familiarizing yourself with various types of cancers and their presentations. For example, recognize symptoms related to specific locations like laryngeal cancer which typically includes hoarseness and difficulty swallowing.

Start by reviewing resources that cover oncology nursing in depth. Then, practice application of this knowledge through questions that assess your ability to distinguish between common symptoms and those that are less likely to occur, just as you would differentiate option C, diarrhea, from the other more common symptoms of laryngeal cancer.

Oncology Nursing

Oncology nursing focuses on the care of patients who have been diagnosed with cancer. It's essential to understand not only the treatments but also the unique symptoms and side effects that may be presented. Knowing the hallmark signs of different cancers, like laryngeal cancer, can aid in early diagnosis and effective management. As an oncology nurse, one should be well-versed in these signs, which include throat pain, coughing, and ear pain. Additionally, recognizing unrelated symptoms, such as diarrhea in the case of laryngeal cancer, is equally important to provide patients with accurate care and education.

Staying current with evidence-based practices and new research within the oncology field will greatly enhance your expertise and improve patient outcomes. Through ongoing education, oncology nurses are better equipped to provide specialized care and offer support to patients and their families during treatment.

Health History Assessment

During a health history assessment, nurses collect comprehensive information to identify any symptoms or medical conditions that may be affecting a patient. A thorough evaluation involves asking detailed questions to discover potential health problems. Understanding what is and isn’t related to a diagnosis like laryngeal cancer is integral. Acquiring a skillset to discern symptoms associated with specific conditions assists in crafting more accurate differential diagnoses.

For instance, symptoms such as foul breath, dysphagia, and chronic hiccups might be germane to laryngeal cancer, whereas diarrhea would generally be considered a red herring in this context. An adept health history assessment will filter out these inconsistencies, which streamlines patient care and ensures individuals receive appropriate treatment for their diagnoses.