Final answer:
A nurse would include a soft, bland diet in the care plan of a patient with radium seed implants in the pharyngeal area to minimize throat irritation and risk of seed displacement. Gentle oral hygiene should be maintained, but vigorous throat clearing should be avoided. There is no need to limit fluid intake explicitly for the purpose of preventing seed displacement. The correct answer is B) Provide a soft, bland diet
Step-by-step explanation:
The care of a client with seeds containing radium implanted in the pharyngeal area requires consideration of safety and comfort. The radioactive material is used to provide targeted radiation therapy, which is a treatment for cancer. Since the seeds are placed near the throat, care must be taken to not disturb them, which could affect the effectiveness of the treatment or cause discomfort.
Providing a soft, bland diet would be part of the care plan for this client. A soft diet is easier to swallow and less likely to irritate the sensitive tissues affected by the radiation therapy. In addition, a bland diet reduces the risk of upsetting the stomach, which might lead to vomiting that could displace the seeds.
Limiting throat clearing is also an important consideration. Throat clearing can be abrasive and potentially dislodge the seeds, so the client would generally be encouraged to avoid unnecessary throat clearing.
Hygiene is another important aspect; however, oral hygiene should not be avoided. Instead, care should be taken when performing oral hygiene to be gentle and not disrupt the placement of the radioactive seeds. A soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle rinsing can be part of safe and effective oral care.
Lastly, limiting fluid intake is not typically recommended unless there is a specific indication. Fluids are important to help prevent dehydration and maintain general health. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated by the healthcare provider, the client should not limit fluids specifically to prevent seed displacement.