American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The most appropriate management for a 45-year-old patient, particularly an opera singer experiencing hoarseness after a performance, involves a referral for evaluation of the larynx. This is essential because hoarseness can be indicative of various underlying issues such as laryngeal strain, vocal cord nodules, or even more serious conditions like laryngeal cancer, particularly in individuals whose professions involve extensive vocal use.

Evaluating the larynx allows for a thorough examination and appropriate diagnostic tests to be performed, which might include laryngoscopy. Identifying the root cause of the hoarseness is crucial for determining effective treatment and preventing further complications related to vocal cord damage. This proactive approach ensures that any serious conditions can be addressed promptly, which is especially important in someone whose career relies heavily on their voice.

Other management options may not be as suitable in this situation. For example, imaging studies such as a CT scan or lateral neck x-ray are not first-line approaches for hoarseness and could delay appropriate care in a case that may require urgent intervention. Prescribing antibiotics and inhalation therapy may be appropriate in a case of acute laryngitis due to infection, but given the patient’s profession and sudden onset of symptoms, they may not