Question

A patient scheduled for a total laryngectomy and radical neck dissection for cancer of the larynx asks the nurse, "How will I talk after the surgery?" The best response by the nurse is,

a. "You will breathe through a permanent opening in your neck, but you will not be able to communicate orally."
b. "You won't be able to talk right after surgery, but you will be able to speak again after the tracheostomy tube is removed."
c. "You won't be able to speak as you used to, but there are artificial voice devices that will give you the ability to speak normally."
d. "You will have a permanent opening into your neck, and you will need to have rehabilitation for some type of voice restoration."

Answer 1

The patient will not be able to speak using their vocal cords after the surgery, but there are artificial voice devices that can help them regain their ability to speak.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best response by the nurse is c. "You won't be able to speak as you used to, but there are artificial voice devices that will give you the ability to speak normally."

After a total laryngectomy and radical neck dissection, the patient will not be able to speak using their vocal cords because they will be removed during the surgery. However, there are artificial voice devices, such as electronic larynx or tracheoesophageal speech prosthesis, that can be used to help the patient regain their ability to speak.

It's important for the nurse to provide accurate information and support to the patient, and to reassure them that there are options available for them to communicate orally after the surgery.