A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client who had a laryngectomy. Which instruction should the nurse include in her teaching?
a) "Wear a tight cloth at the stoma to prevent anything from entering it."
b) "Keep the humidity in your house low."
c) "Swimming is good exercise after this surgery."
d) "Cover the stoma whenever you shower or bathe."
Answer: d) "Cover the stoma whenever you shower or bathe."
Explanation:
The nurse should instruct the client to gently cover the stoma with a loose plastic bib, or even a hand, when showering or bathing to prevent water from entering the stoma. The client should cover the stoma with a loose-fitting, not tight, cloth to protect it. The client should keep his house humidified to prevent irritation of the stoma that can occur in low humidity. The client should avoid swimming, because it's possible for water to enter the stoma and then enter the client's lung, causing him to drown without submerging his face. pg.563