The nurse is caring for a client who has been admitted with a diagnosis of esophageal cancer. The client reports a pain level of 8 on a 0 to 10 pain scale, dysphagia, anorexia, anxiety, and a hoarse voice. Which nursing problem is the priority for this client?
Anxiety and grieving related to progression of disease.
Chronic pain related to tissue destruction by tumor.
Risk for aspiration related to difficulty swallowing.
Imbalanced nutrition less than body requirements.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Anxiety and grieving are important issues but are not the priority when the client is at risk for aspiration.
Choice B rationale
Chronic pain is significant, but the immediate risk of aspiration due to dysphagia takes precedence.
Choice C rationale
Risk for aspiration related to difficulty swallowing is the priority nursing problem. Aspiration can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia.
Choice D rationale
Imbalanced nutrition is important but is secondary to the immediate risk of aspiration.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Topical antifungals are used to treat fungal infections and are not effective for psoriasis, which is an autoimmune condition.
Choice B rationale
Colloidal oatmeal-based lotion can help soothe the skin but does not address the underlying inflammation and scaling associated with psoriasis.
Choice C rationale
Topical corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment for psoriasis. They help reduce inflammation, itching, and redness associated with psoriatic plaques.
Choice D rationale
Topical analgesics can help relieve pain but do not address the underlying inflammation and scaling associated with psoriasis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Suctioning to clear secretions from the airway is the first intervention to implement. The client’s weak cough effort and use of accessory muscles to breathe suggest the presence of retained respiratory secretions, which can impair breathing and lead to further respiratory compromise.
Choice B rationale
Offering a prescribed PRN analgesic is important for overall comfort but is not the most immediate intervention needed to address the client’s respiratory distress.
Choice C rationale
Obtaining arterial blood gases may provide valuable information but is not the most immediate intervention needed to address the client’s respiratory distress.
Choice D rationale
Administering a prescribed antipyretic is not the most immediate intervention needed to address the client’s respiratory distress.