Final answer:
Weight loss is a common symptom of laryngeal cancer that a nurse might hear about from a client who has persistent hoarseness after a course of antibiotics. Other symptoms include pain with swallowing and a feeling of swelling at the back of the throat. Option d is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a 72-year-old male client continues to experience persistent hoarseness after a course of antibiotics for laryngitis and laryngeal cancer is suspected, the nurse would most likely hear complaints that could include weight loss from the client.
Weight loss is a common symptom in cancer patients due to the increased metabolic demands of the growing tumor and the decrease in appetite that often accompanies illness. Another common complaint might be pain with swallowing, as tumors in the throat area can cause discomfort with the ingestion of food and liquids.
To further evaluate the patient, a complete clinical examination and potential imaging studies like CT scans or MRIs may be necessary to confirm the presence of a tumor.
If the client also describes a feeling of swelling at the back of the throat, this could be indicative of a tumor's presence. Other related symptoms to listen for include cough, wheezes or stridor (noisy breathing), a sensation of swelling causing shortness of breath, and unexplained lymphadenopathy or swollen lymph nodes.