A nurse is planning to change a client's tracheostomy ties. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Ask the family if they wish to assist in washing the client's body:

This is an appropriate action. Providing an opportunity for the family to participate in postmortem care can be a culturally sensitive and therapeutic approach. It allows the family to be involved in a meaningful way and may contribute to the grieving process.

B. Turn overhead lights to a bright setting:

This is incorrect. The environment for postmortem care should be handled with respect and consideration for the family. Turning the lights to a bright setting may create an uncomfortable or clinical atmosphere. A calm and serene environment is more appropriate for this sensitive task.

C. Leave the client's eyes open until the family views the body:

This is incorrect. It is customary to gently close the deceased person's eyes as part of postmortem care. Leaving the eyes open may be distressing for the family and does not contribute to creating a peaceful appearance.

D. Remove the client's dentures for their family to keep:

This is incorrect. Dentures are typically returned to the family rather than kept by the family. The nurse should handle the removal of any personal items with sensitivity and respect, returning them to the family as appropriate.

A. The client is consuming 25% of their meals.

Poor nutritional intake can lead to complications over time, but it is not the most immediate concern compared to other options. This finding is important but not the highest priority.

B. The client coughs frequently while eating.

Frequent coughing while eating can indicate dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), which increases the risk of aspiration. Aspiration can lead to serious complications like aspiration pneumonia, which is life-threatening. This is the nurse’s priority finding because it poses an immediate risk to the client’s airway and respiratory status.

C. The client's blood pressure is 142/94 mm Hg.

The blood pressure is elevated, which is concerning, especially in a post-stroke client. However, it is not critically high and does not present an immediate threat compared to the risk of aspiration.

D. The client leans to the left side while sitting.

Leaning to the left side while sitting could indicate poor balance or proprioception, which increases the risk of falls. While important to address, it is not as immediately critical as the risk of aspiration.