A nurse is speaking with the caregiver of a client who has Alzheimer's disease.
The caregiver states, "Providing constant care is very stressful and is affecting all areas of my life." Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale:

Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is a common complication of esophageal cancer and can lead to malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia. It is the priority finding because addressing the client's ability to swallow is essential for maintaining adequate nutrition and preventing complications.

Choice B rationale:

Xerostomia (dry mouth) is another common side effect of radiation therapy, but while uncomfortable, it does not pose an immediate risk to the client's health compared to dysphagia.

Choice C rationale:

Excoriation of the skin on the neck and chest is likely due to the radiation therapy and can be managed with appropriate skin care measures. Although important, it is not the priority compared to dysphagia.

Choice D rationale:

The client's self-reported pain level of 6 on a scale from 0 to 10 is concerning and requires attention, but addressing dysphagia takes precedence due to its potential impact on the client's nutritional status and overall well-being.

The correct answer is: b: Perform the procedure prior to meals.

Choice A rationale: The rationale for Choice A involves understanding the technique of percussion in postural drainage for cystic fibrosis management. Percussion is a component of chest physiotherapy that involves rhythmic clapping or tapping on the chest wall to help loosen and mobilize secretions within the airways. However, holding the hand flat during percussion may not effectively transmit the necessary force to the chest wall for optimal secretion mobilization. Instead, cupping the hands allows for better resonance and transmission of percussion force, enhancing the effectiveness of the procedure.

Choice B rationale: Performing postural drainage prior to meals is the recommended timing for several reasons. Firstly, initiating the procedure before meals allows the child's stomach to be relatively empty, reducing the risk of discomfort, nausea, or vomiting during the procedure. Secondly, performing postural drainage before meals helps prevent aspiration of stomach contents, which can occur if the child vomits during or after the procedure. Aspiration poses significant risks, including lung infection and respiratory distress, particularly in individuals with compromised respiratory function such as those with cystic fibrosis.

Choice C rationale: While bronchodilators may play a role in managing airway obstruction in cystic fibrosis, administering them after postural drainage is not a standard practice. Bronchodilators are typically used to alleviate bronchoconstriction and improve airflow in the lungs. However, their administration after postural drainage may not be directly related to the immediate goals of the procedure, which are to mobilize and clear pulmonary secretions. The timing of bronchodilator administration is often guided by the individual's clinical condition and the presence of symptoms such as wheezing or shortness of breath.

Choice D rationale: Performing postural drainage twice daily may not provide adequate frequency for managing secretions in individuals with cystic fibrosis. The goal of postural drainage is to facilitate the removal of thick, tenacious mucus from the airways to improve respiratory function and reduce the risk of complications such as infections. In cystic fibrosis, mucus clearance is essential for maintaining pulmonary health and preventing exacerbations. Therefore, a more frequent regimen, often including multiple sessions of postural drainage per day, may be necessary to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes and prevent mucus accumulation and airway obstruction.