A male client was admitted with a left-sided stroke this morning. The assistive personnel asks about meeting the client’s nutritional needs. Which response by the nurse is appropriate?
He is NPO until the speech-language pathologist performs a swallowing evaluation.
Be sure to sit him up when you are feeding him to make him feel more natural.
You may give him a full-liquid diet, but please avoid solid foods until he gets stronger.
Just be sure to add some thickener in his liquids to prevent choking and aspiration.
None
None
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A: He is NPO until the speech-language pathologist performs a swallowing evaluation.
When a client is admitted with a stroke, especially one affecting the left side, there is a significant risk of dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing. This can lead to choking and aspiration, which can cause pneumonia and other complications. Therefore, it is crucial to keep the client NPO (nothing by mouth) until a speech-language pathologist can perform a thorough swallowing evaluation. This ensures that the client can safely swallow without the risk of aspiration. The speech-language pathologist will assess the client’s ability to swallow different textures and consistencies of food and liquids and provide recommendations for safe feeding.

Choice B: Be sure to sit him up when you are feeding him to make him feel more natural.
While sitting the client up during feeding is a good practice to reduce the risk of aspiration, it is not sufficient on its own for a client who has just had a stroke. Without a proper swallowing evaluation, feeding the client could still pose a significant risk. Therefore, this choice is not the most appropriate response.
Choice C: You may give him a full-liquid diet, but please avoid solid foods until he gets stronger.
A full-liquid diet might seem like a safer option, but it still poses a risk of aspiration if the client has dysphagia. Without a swallowing evaluation, it is not safe to assume that the client can handle even a full-liquid diet. Therefore, this choice is not appropriate.
Choice D: Just be sure to add some thickener in his liquids to prevent choking and aspiration.
Adding thickener to liquids can help some clients with dysphagia, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The appropriate consistency of liquids should be determined by a speech-language pathologist after a swallowing evaluation. Therefore, this choice is not appropriate without a prior assessment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason: High-flow nasal cannula
The high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is designed to deliver oxygen at flow rates much higher than 5 liters per minute, typically ranging from 20 to 60 liters per minute. It is used for patients requiring high levels of oxygen and positive airway pressure. Therefore, it is not appropriate for a flow rate of 5 liters per minute.
Choice B Reason: Simple face mask
The simple face mask is suitable for delivering oxygen at flow rates between 6 to 10 liters per minute. However, it can also be used at a flow rate of 5 liters per minute, providing an FiO2 (fraction of inspired oxygen) of approximately 40-60%. This makes it an appropriate choice for the given requirement.
Choice C Reason: Nasal cannula
The nasal cannula is a low-flow oxygen delivery device that can deliver oxygen at flow rates from 1 to 6 liters per minute. At 5 liters per minute, it provides an FiO2 of approximately 40%. It is comfortable for patients and is commonly used for those who need a moderate amount of supplemental oxygen.
Choice D Reason: Non-rebreather mask
The non-rebreather mask is designed to deliver high concentrations of oxygen, typically at flow rates of 10 to 15 liters per minute. It is used in situations where patients need a high FiO2, close to 100%. Therefore, it is not suitable for a flow rate of 5 liters per minute.
Choice E Reason: Venturi mask
The Venturi mask is used to deliver precise oxygen concentrations, typically ranging from 24% to 60% FiO2. It is suitable for patients who require controlled oxygen therapy. While it can be adjusted to deliver oxygen at a flow rate of 5 liters per minute, it is generally used for more specific FiO2 requirements.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an elevated pH (greater than 7.45) and an increased bicarbonate (HCO3) level. In this case, the pH is 7.30, indicating acidosis, and the HCO3 level is 18 mEq/L, which is below the normal range (22-26 mEq/L). Therefore, metabolic alkalosis is not the correct diagnosis.
Choice B Reason:
Respiratory alkalosis is indicated by a high pH (greater than 7.45) and a low PaCO2 (less than 35 mm Hg). Although the PaCO2 is low at 28 mm Hg, the pH is 7.30, indicating acidosis rather than alkalosis. Therefore, respiratory alkalosis is not the correct diagnosis.
Choice C Reason:
Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH (less than 7.35) and an elevated PaCO2 (greater than 45 mm Hg). In this case, the pH is low, indicating acidosis, but the PaCO2 is also low at 28 mm Hg, which does not fit the criteria for respiratory acidosis. Therefore, respiratory acidosis is not the correct diagnosis.
Choice D Reason:
Metabolic acidosis is indicated by a low pH (less than 7.35) and a low bicarbonate (HCO3) level (less than 22 mEq/L). In this case, the pH is 7.30, indicating acidosis, and the HCO3 level is 18 mEq/L, which is below the normal range. The low PaCO2 of 28 mm Hg suggests a compensatory respiratory response to the metabolic acidosis. Therefore, metabolic acidosis is the correct diagnosis.

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