If a client has experienced hoarseness for more than 2 weeks, what is the nurse’s priority action?

When a client presents with hoarseness lasting more than two weeks, it is crucial to assess for dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) as a priority action. Persistent hoarseness can be a sign of underlying pathologies such as laryngeal nodules, tumors, or vocal cord paralysis, among others. Dysphagia may indicate that there is a potential obstruction or other serious pathology affecting the throat or larynx.

Evaluating for dysphagia involves determining whether the client has difficulty swallowing food or liquids, which could suggest complications related to the underlying cause of the hoarseness. Identifying these symptoms can help in promptly addressing any serious conditions and facilitating appropriate referrals or diagnostic testing.

Other options, while potentially helpful in the management of hoarseness, do not address the immediate need for assessment of potential serious underlying causes. Gargling with salt water may provide symptomatic relief but does not address the potential severity of the situation. Providing analgesics could manage throat pain but does not assess the underlying problem, and referring for an antibiotic prescription would only be appropriate if an infection is suspected, which may not be the case for hoarseness persisting beyond two weeks. Therefore, the priority action focuses on thorough assessment to rule out significant complications.