A nurse is caring for a client who has dysphagia following a stroke. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to reduce the risk of aspiration?
Have the client point their chin upward to swallow.
Offer the client saltine crackers between meals.
Thicken liquids before serving.
Place food on the affected side of the mouth.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Having the client point their chin upward to swallow is not a recommended action to reduce the risk of aspiration. In fact, this action can increase the risk of choking and aspiration, as it may cause food or liquids to enter the airway.
Choice B rationale:
Offering the client saltine crackers between meals is not a suitable action for reducing the risk of aspiration. Saltine crackers are dry and can be challenging to swallow for someone with dysphagia, potentially increasing the risk of aspiration.
Choice C rationale:
Thicken liquids before serving is the correct action to reduce the risk of aspiration in a client with dysphagia. Thickened liquids are easier to swallow and less likely to enter the airway, reducing the risk of aspiration pneumonia.
Choice D rationale:
Placing food on the affected side of the mouth does not address the risk of aspiration directly. Dysphagia may affect both sides of the mouth, and placing food on one side does not ensure safe swallowing and reduces the effectiveness of addressing the problem.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A capillary refill of less than 1 second is a normal finding and indicates adequate peripheral perfusion. It is not a cause for concern in this postoperative client.
Choice B rationale:
The presence of a pulse deficit should be reported to the provider because it suggests a discrepancy between the apical and radial pulses, indicating potential cardiovascular compromise or inadequate arterial perfusion.
Choice C rationale:
A systolic blood pressure 10 points lower than before surgery can be a normal response to anesthesia or surgery and may not necessarily require immediate reporting unless accompanied by other concerning symptoms or vital sign abnormalities.
Choice D rationale:
Pulse oximetry at 96% is within the normal range for oxygen saturation and does not warrant immediate reporting. However, if the client is experiencing respiratory distress or other concerning symptoms, it should be addressed promptly.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Crackles are adventitious lung sounds that can be heard on auscultation and are commonly associated with pneumonia. They are caused by the movement of air through fluid-filled or collapsed alveoli, indicating inflammation and infection in the lungs.
Choice B rationale:
Crepitus is a different respiratory finding and is not typically associated with pneumonia. Crepitus is a crackling or grating sensation that can be felt under the skin, often caused by subcutaneous emphysema or gas trapped in the tissues, not within the lungs.
Choice C rationale:
Stridor is a harsh, high-pitched sound heard during inspiration and is usually indicative of upper airway obstruction, not pneumonia. It can be caused by conditions such as croup or anaphylaxis.
Choice D rationale:
Decreased fremitus is not a specific manifestation of pneumonia. Fremitus is the vibration felt when the patient speaks and is transmitted through the chest wall. In pneumonia, increased fremitus may be observed due to the consolidation of lung tissue with fluid or pus, not decreased fremitus.
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