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?

Choice A rationale:
Increasing the intake of high-fiber foods is not relevant to addressing the client's dry mouth caused by benztropine. High-fiber foods are commonly recommended for managing constipation, a symptom often associated with Parkinson's disease, but it does not address the issue of dry mouth.
Choice B rationale:
Chewing sugarless gum can stimulate saliva production and help alleviate dry mouth. However, it is not the most appropriate recommendation for a client taking benztropine, as gum-chewing may interfere with the effectiveness of the medication or exacerbate other symptoms.
Choice C rationale:
Moistening the mouth with lemon-glycerin swabs is the most suitable recommendation for a client experiencing dry mouth due to benztropine. Lemon-glycerin swabs can help increase saliva production and provide relief from the discomfort of dry mouth without interfering with the medication's efficacy.
Choice D rationale:
Rinsing the mouth with nystatin is used to treat fungal infections in the mouth (oral thrush) and is not relevant to address the side effect of dry mouth caused by benztropine.

Choice A rationale:
Poor skin turgor is a sign of dehydration and is not specifically related to hypoglycemia. It is assessed by pinching the skin on the back of the hand and observing how quickly it returns to its normal position.
Choice B rationale:
Fruity breath odor is associated with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a complication of uncontrolled diabetes, not hypoglycemia. It is caused by the presence of ketones in the breath due to the breakdown of fats for energy in the absence of adequate insulin.
Choice C rationale:
Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid, and labored breathing patterns seen in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), not in hypoglycemia. They are the body's attempt to blow off excess carbon dioxide and acid from the blood.
Choice D rationale:
Irritability is a common manifestation of hypoglycemia. Low blood glucose levels can affect brain function, leading to mood changes, irritability, and nervousness.