Question

Your patient is a 39-year-old second grade teacher who states that she developed acute hoarseness 3 days ago. Prior to that, she had a cold, the symptoms of which are improving. There is no history of smoking or other tobacco use. What is the most important intervention for the patient at this time?

A. Discuss that due to her occupation, she is at increased risk of leukoplakia of the vocal cords
B. She should be placed on an antibiotic as she most likely has a bacterial infection
C. Discuss her increased risk of vocal cord paralysis
D. Advise the patient to avoid singing or shouting until her normal voice returns

Answer 1

Advise the patient to avoid singing or shouting until her normal voice returns.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most important intervention for the patient at this time is option D: Advise the patient to avoid singing or shouting until her normal voice returns.

Acute hoarseness following a cold is most commonly caused by acute laryngitis, which is inflammation of the larynx. In most cases, this condition is viral in nature and resolves without treatment, but excessive voice use can prolong the healing process. Therefore, it is important for the patient to rest her voice and avoid activities that strain the vocal cords, such as singing or shouting.

Options A, B, and C are not appropriate in this scenario. Leukoplakia of the vocal cords is a condition associated with chronic vocal cord irritation due to smoking or exposure to certain chemicals, not acute hoarseness following a cold. Antibiotics are not required for viral laryngitis, and vocal cord paralysis is not a common complication of a viral respiratory infection.