Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
Cancer of Larynx - Coggle Diagram
Cancer of Larynx
Nursing management
The patient undergoing radiation therapy for laryngeal cancer should be taught about the procedures which may be done, expected problems and how to manage these, including correct skin care for the irradiated site, and the use of prescribed creams and sunscreens
The patient should avoid extreme temperatures, rough or tight garments particularly around the neck, and should avoid rubbing or scratching the area
Patients with laryngeal tumours often present with a compromised nutritional state caused by dysphagia and gross weight loss. Supplemental nutrition may be provided through nasogastric tube feedings or gastrostomy feedings to improve the overall prognosis. The nurse needs to teach the patient about a high liquid protein diet enriched with vitamins, and to drink as much fluids as possible.
Caring for patients who have done laryngectomy
Airway monitoring including mechanical ventilation
Wound care management
Haemodynamic monitoring
In case of tracheastomy: Perform suctioning of secretions and encourage the patient to cough in order to clear the airway
Position the patient in Fowler's position to decrease oedema on the airway, facilitate breathing and promote comfort
Administer prescribed bronchodilators and mucolytics to prevent mucus from forming a plug and thus blocking the airway
Assist with chest physiotherapy and nebulisation to loosen secretions to make it easy for suctioning and coughing out of secretions
Manage pain with prescribed analgesics, which will allay anxiety and make airway clearance easy Administer oxygen and monitor through the use of pulse oximeter and blood gases analysis.
Clinical manifestations
-
Changes in your voice, such as hoarseness
-
-
-
-
-
Pathophysiology
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignant tumour of the larynx arising from the membrane lining the respiratory tract.
The cancer spreads quickly in the larynx because of abundant lymphatic vessels. Metastases may often be palpated on the neck, and may also occur in the lungs.
-