A nurse is assessing a client who has risk factors for developing heart disease. Which of the following factors does the nurse recognize as a modifiable risk factor?

A. The client adjusts the head of their bed to 90°: Adjusting the head of the bed to 90° is a correct action for clients with dysphagia as it helps facilitate swallowing by promoting an upright position, reducing the risk of aspiration.

B. The client drinks their thickened juice with a straw.

Drinking thickened liquids with a straw is not recommended for clients with dysphagia. Straws can increase the risk of aspiration, as they bypass the natural protection mechanisms in the mouth and throat that help prevent liquids from entering the airway. Therefore, the nurse should intervene and provide the client with an appropriate drinking cup instead of a straw when consuming thickened liquids.

C. The client tucks their chin when they swallow: Tucking the chin when swallowing is a recommended technique for clients with dysphagia, as it helps close off the airway and directs the food or liquid toward the esophagus, reducing the risk of aspiration.

D. The client takes frequent breaks while eating: Taking frequent breaks while eating is a beneficial strategy for clients with dysphagia, as it allows them to rest and swallow safely without feeling rushed or overwhelmed by large amounts of food or liquid.

A. Giving the client's medications between meals:

Administering medications between meals does not address the risk of aspiration associated with dysphagia. Moreover, timing of medication administration in relation to meals may vary depending on the specific medication requirements.

B. Assisting the client into semi-Fowler's position:

While positioning can play a role in facilitating swallowing, semi-Fowler's position alone may not be sufficient to address the risk of aspiration in clients with dysphagia. Moreover, simply positioning the client without considering other factors may not ensure safe medication administration.

C. Encouraging the client to use a straw to take the medication:

Using a straw might not be appropriate for clients with dysphagia as it can increase the risk of aspiration, especially if the client has difficulty controlling the flow of liquid or coordinating swallowing movements.

D. Administer the client's medications one at a time.

Dysphagia refers to difficulty in swallowing, which can increase the risk of choking or aspiration. Administering medications one at a time ensures that each pill is swallowed safely and reduces the risk of aspiration. It allows the nurse to closely monitor the client's ability to swallow each medication and intervene if necessary.