Vital signs are T 99.5, P 58, R 16, and BP 110/55.

Week 5 Discussion

B.W. is a 44-year-old man who presents to the family practice with complaints of sore throat, hoarseness, and a dry cough that worsens at night. He states that the cough started 6 days ago, and the sore throat and hoarseness began 3 days ago and appear to be getting worse The patient has a history of prediabetes, which is controlled through diet and exercise. Vital signs are T 99.5, P 58, R 16, and BP 110/55.

Question 1
What subjective information should the nurse obtain?

Question 2
The nurse is assessing the structures of the oral cavity. What are the physical features?

Question 3
The nurse notes that the patient’s teeth are stained yellow and asks the patient about tobacco use. The patient states that he chews one bag of tobacco every other day. What health promotion concepts should the nurse include in the teaching plan?

Question 4
What is the most likely cause of this patient’s cough, sore throat, and hoarseness?

**Please be sure to include 2 references in APA format within the last 5 years and respond to at least 2 participating classmates, with a substantial descriptive answer.**

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Question 1

Subjective Information the Nurse Should Obtain:

• Duration and progression of symptoms (e.g., worsening, improving, intermittent)
• Associated symptoms: Fever, chills, fatigue, muscle aches, nasal congestion, or shortness of breath
• Previous episodes of sore throat or hoarseness
• Exposure to allergens, irritants, or respiratory infections
• Use of over-the-counter medications or home remedies
• Medical history (e.g., allergies, asthma, chronic conditions)
• Social history (e.g., smoking, alcohol use, occupation)

Question 2

Physical Features of the Oral Cavity:

• Lips: Color, texture, symmetry, presence of lesions or ulcers
• Teeth: Number, condition (e.g., caries, staining, missing teeth), alignment
• Gums: Color, texture, bleeding, presence of inflammation or recession
• Tongue: Color, size, shape, presence of coating, ulcers, or lesions
• Tonsils: Size, color, presence of exudate or enlargement
• Oropharynx: Appearance of the back of the throat and uvula

Question 3

Health Promotion Concepts for Tobacco Chewing:

• Negative health effects: Discuss the risks associated with tobacco chewing, including oral cancer, gum disease, tooth loss, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory problems.
• Quitting strategies: Provide information on nicotine replacement therapy, counseling, and support groups to help the patient quit.
• Oral hygiene: Emphasize the importance of regular dental check-ups, brushing, flossing, and using a mouthwash to prevent oral health problems.
• Healthy alternatives: Suggest healthier alternatives to tobacco chewing, such as sugar-free gum or lozenges.

Question 4

Most Likely Cause of Symptoms:

Based on the patient’s symptoms of sore throat, hoarseness, and dry cough, the most likely cause is acute viral pharyngitis or a common cold. This is a self-limiting illness that typically resolves on its own within 7-10 days.

References:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Sore throat. https://www.cdc.gov/sore-throat/about/index.html
2. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2023). Hoarseness.

   https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/voice-speech-and-language