What is the first action a nurse should take for a client unable to speak after laryngectomy?

In the context of a client who has undergone a laryngectomy and is unable to speak, assessing the client’s reading skills is the first action a nurse should take. This assessment is crucial for understanding the client’s ability to communicate using written forms or other alternative methods. Knowing the client's literacy level allows nurses to tailor their approach effectively, ensuring that any communication aids, instructions, or interactions are appropriate and comprehensible.

In such a scenario, it is important to consider that different clients will have varying abilities and preferences when it comes to communicating post-surgery. Identifying their reading skills first can pave the way for effective communication strategies. For instance, if a client has limited reading skills, relying solely on written methods may not be beneficial, indicating the need for other forms of communication, like gesture or pictographs.

Establishing comprehension of the client’s situation initially can also facilitate better engagement with future interventions, such as providing a communication board, encouraging the writing of messages, or involving speech therapy later on. Thus, assessing reading skills lays the groundwork for choosing the most effective communication methods tailored to the individual client's needs.