Question

A 72-year-old male client finished a course of antibiotics for laryngitis but continues to experience persistent hoarseness. If laryngeal cancer is suspected, the nurse would be most likely to hear which of the following complaints from the client?

a) Headaches in the morning
b) Weight loss
c) Discomfort when drinking cold liquids
d) A feeling of swelling at the back of the throat

Answer 1

The nurse would most likely hear complaints of a feeling of swelling at the back of the throat in a client suspected of laryngeal cancer, along with other symptoms such as weight loss and persistent coughing or hoarseness. The correct option is D.

Step-by-step explanation:

If laryngeal cancer is suspected in a 72-year-old male client who continues to experience persistent hoarseness after finishing a course of antibiotics for laryngitis, the nurse would likely hear the client complain of a feeling of swelling at the back of the throat. This symptom can be indicative of tumor presence affecting the area.

Symptoms like weight loss, persistent coughing or hoarseness, and discomfort when drinking cold liquids, may also be relevant and should be assessed in conjunction with other clinical signs to rule out or confirm the potential diagnosis of laryngeal cancer.

Respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezes, or stridor and problems like pain with swallowing or a cough could also be associated with laryngeal cancer.