When caring for a male patient who has just had a total laryngectomy, the nurse should plan to:
**Core Concept**
A total laryngectomy is a surgical procedure where the larynx (voice box) is removed, often due to laryngeal cancer. This results in the loss of the patient's ability to speak and breathe through the mouth. The nurse must consider the patient's altered anatomy and physiology to provide appropriate care.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
After a total laryngectomy, the patient will breathe through a permanent tracheostome (a surgically created opening in the neck for air to enter the lungs). The nurse should plan to use a tracheostomy tube to maintain a patent airway and facilitate breathing. This is crucial to prevent respiratory compromise and ensure the patient's safety. The nurse should also be aware of the potential complications associated with tracheostomy, such as tracheal stenosis or tracheal granuloma.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because a patient with a total laryngectomy does not require oropharyngeal suctioning, as the primary airway is now through the tracheostome, not the oral cavity.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because a patient with a total laryngectomy does not require a nasogastric tube for feeding, as the primary route for nutrition will be through the gastrointestinal tract.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because a patient with a total laryngectomy does not require a laryngeal mask airway, as the larynx has been removed and the primary airway is now through the tracheostome.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A patient with a total laryngectomy requires close monitoring of their respiratory status, as they are at increased risk of respiratory complications, such as pneumonia or respiratory failure. The nurse should be aware of the patient's altered respiratory anatomy and physiology to provide appropriate care and prevent complications.
**Correct Answer:** C.