Laryngectomy surgery is the removal of the voice box. In most cases, this procedure is performed to remove cancer. Depending on the extent of the cancer, other areas may need to be removed at the same time. After all of the cancer is removed, the throat is reconstructed which may require using tissues from another part of the body. Show
Wound Care: Please keep all incisions clean and dry. If there is any crusting or scabbing you may gently wipe it away with normal saline or hydrogen peroxide. Make sure to keep your stoma clean and free of crusting as well. Laryngectomy Care: The following instruction will help you take care of your laryngectomy tube, your stoma (the opening in your neck), and the skin around the stoma. Follow these steps and any other directions you have received: Cleaning Your Laryngectomy Tube and Stoma: Clean the opening of the laryngectomy tube and the skin around it at least once a day. Choose a clean, well-lighted space near a sink and mirror, and collect the following supplies:
Clearing a mucus plug: It is normal to have some mucus in your airway, but mucus can build up and thicken. If this happens, your laryngectomy tube can become plugged. Follow these steps and any other guidelines you have been given to clear your laryngectomy tube. Find a clean, well-lighted space near a sink and mirror, and collect the following supplies:
Activity: No heavy lifting or strenuous activity. You should not lift anything greater than 10 lbs. for the first 2 weeks after surgery. At your postoperative appointment you should ask your provider when you may resume your regular activity. You may take a shower. Diet: A specific diet will be recommended to you at the time of discharge. You may be asked to take no foods by mouth until cleared by your surgeon. If that is the case, you will be instructed to feed yourself through a feeding tube. If no diet is given, you may eat any foods that you can swallow. Please feel free to call nutritionist Mehreen Husain (917-774-7565) with any questions or concerns regarding your diet. Pain: No NSAIDS, Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, and no herbal supplements for 10 days unless you are instructed otherwise. If you develop constipation, please take an over the counter stool softener like Colace or Senna. Do not drive, operate dangerous machinery, or do anything dangerous if you are taking narcotic pain medication (such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, etc.) This medication affects your reflexes and responses, just like alcohol. Call Your Head and Neck Surgeon If You Have…
If you have difficulties breathing, you need to go directly to the Emergency Room without calling. How to Contact Your SurgeonFor non-urgent inquiries, please call the Head and Neck Oncology offices during business hours, 9am to 5pm, Monday-Friday. If you need to speak with someone after 5pm or on a weekend, call the office, and the answering service will contact the doctor on-call to call you back.
Please note, pathology results are generally not available until 7-10 business days after your procedure. Results will be discussed in the office during your post-op visit. Which of the following nursing intervention is a priority for a patient with laryngectomy?Airway maintenance
A priority for patients who have undergone a total laryngectomy is for them to learn how to care for their new airway.
What should the nurse include in discharge teaching for the patient with a total laryngectomy?Incision and stoma care. Check your incision site daily for 1 week after discharge. ... . Bathe in shallow water. ... . Use a waterproof bib to cover your stoma when you shower.. Don't swim.. Learn to care for your stoma. ... . Wear a stoma cover to keep moisture from being lost when you breathe.. Use a cool-mist humidifier by your bedside.. Which options for communication immediately after total laryngectomy would be best for the client to use select all that apply?Right after a laryngectomy, the quickest way to communicate with family, friends and healthcare professionals will be through the use of writing and gestures.
Which nursing action is the highest priority when caring for a patient with laryngeal trauma?Management of patients with laryngeal injuries consists of assessing the airway and monitoring vital signs (including respiratory status and pulse oximetry) every 15 to 30 minutes. Maintaining a patent airway is a priority.
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