A nurse is educating a client after surgery for laryngeal cancer about a full liquid diet.

What selection made by a client indicates to a nurse that the teaching was effective?

Choice A rationale
Cherry jello is not a part of a full-liquid diet. While it is soft and easy to swallow, it does not provide the necessary nutrients that a patient recovering from surgery for laryngeal cancer would need.
Choice B rationale
Clear broth soup is part of a clear liquid diet, not a full liquid diet. A full liquid diet includes foods that are liquid at room temperature or melt at body temperature.
Choice C rationale
Chicken noodle soup is not suitable for a full-liquid diet. The noodles and chicken pieces could pose a swallowing risk for a patient recovering from surgery for laryngeal cancer.
Choice D rationale
Cream of potato soup is a suitable choice for a full-liquid diet. It is smooth and easy to swallow, and it provides necessary nutrients.

Choice A rationale
Thinking critically is a fundamental skill in nursing. It involves the ability to question, analyze, and evaluate care processes and outcomes. Critical thinking allows nurses to make informed decisions, prioritize tasks, and solve problems efficiently and effectively, which ultimately leads to safe, quality, patient-centered care.
Choice B rationale
Evaluating outcomes at the start of the shift is not typically recommended. Instead, continuous evaluation throughout the shift is more beneficial. This allows for timely interventions and adjustments to the care plan as needed.
Choice C rationale
Communication is a vital aspect of patient-centered care. Effective communication ensures that all members of the healthcare team, including the patient, are informed about the patient’s care plan. This promotes collaboration, improves patient outcomes, and enhances patient satisfaction.
Choice D rationale
Planning and reporting outcomes are crucial components of the nursing process. They enable the tracking of progress, facilitate communication among healthcare providers, and ensure that care is aligned with the patient’s goals.
Choice E rationale
Evaluating outcomes at the end of the shift is important as it provides an opportunity to assess the effectiveness of interventions, make necessary adjustments to the care plan, and ensure continuity of care.