Nursing care of advanced tongue cancer patient with airway obstruction: A case study

Abstract

     This study was case study aimed to study nursing care for patients with advanced tongue cancer who have obstructed airways. The study was conducted on Thai male patients, age 38 years, with a history of drinking alcohol. smoke regularly Admitted to the outpatient department on July 12, 2021 by referral from a community hospital with symptoms of pain, difficulty swallowing, and lumps on both sides of the neck 1
month before coming to the hospital.

     The results of the study found that During the pre examination period, the patient was not well due to pain from a lump in the neck and had a risk of respiratory obstruction. The nurse assessed the patient's condition and severity and allowed the patient to be first in line for examination. During the examination, the nurse assisted the doctor in performing an endoscopy to examine the larynx and trachea, and observed the patient's breathing rate during the examination. The doctor diagnosed that patient has a cancer at the base
of the tongue. There is a treatment plan for prophylactic tracheostomy. After the examination, the patient was worried and refused surgery. The nurse built relationships and explained information and treatment plans to patients and relatives until understanding and consent to surgery. The patient was then sent for a computerized x-ray of the neck to prepare for surgery and admitted to the male surgical ward. The patient was safely transported to the ward.