A nurse is teaching a group of newly licensed nurses about the Braden scale. Which of the following responses by a newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A. The client tucks their chin when they swallow:
This is a proper swallowing technique. Tucking the chin helps close off the airway during swallowing, reducing the risk of aspiration. It facilitates the safe passage of food or liquids into the esophagus
B. The client adjusts the head of their bed to 90°:
This action is appropriate. Keeping the head of the bed elevated to 30 to 45 degrees is recommended for clients with dysphagia as it helps prevent aspiration during swallowing.
C. The client drinks their thickened juice with a straw:
This action indicates a potential problem. The use of a straw with thickened liquids is generally not recommended for clients with dysphagia. Thickened liquids are used to slow down the flow of the liquid and reduce the risk of aspiration. Drinking thickened juice through a straw may compromise the effectiveness of thickening and increase the risk of aspiration.
D. The client takes frequent breaks while eating:
This action is also appropriate. Clients with dysphagia may need to take breaks between bites to ensure safe and effective swallowing. It allows the client to pace themselves and reduces the risk of aspiration.

A. "I need to set my hot water heater to 140 degrees Fahrenheit":
This statement is incorrect. The recommended safe temperature for a hot water heater is generally set to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) to prevent scalds and burns. A setting of 140 degrees Fahrenheit increases the risk of burns, especially for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
B. "I will use the grab bars when getting in and out of the bathtub":
This statement indicates an understanding of the importance of using safety features, such as grab bars, to prevent falls in the bathroom. Using grab bars provides support and stability during activities like getting in and out of the bathtub, reducing the risk of accidents.
C. "I will apply tape over frayed areas of electrical cords":
This statement is incorrect. Using tape on frayed electrical cords is not a safe or effective solution. Frayed cords should be replaced to avoid the risk of electrical shock or fire. Using tape may not adequately address the underlying safety issue and can be a hazard itself.
D. "I need to check my medications for expiration dates":
This statement reflects an understanding of the importance of medication safety. Checking medication expiration dates is crucial to ensure the efficacy and safety of the medications. Expired medications may be less effective or potentially harmful.
E. "I need to have a fire escape plan with my family":
This statement shows awareness of the importance of having a fire escape plan at home. Having a plan in place helps ensure that everyone in the household knows what to do in case of a fire, improving overall safety.