A nurse is teaching a client who has left-sided weakness after a stroke on how to use a cane. What instructions should the nurse include?

Choice A Reason:

A pureed diet consists of foods that are blended to a smooth consistency. This type of diet is typically recommended for clients who have severe swallowing difficulties or are at risk of aspiration. While it can be easier to consume for those with significant dental issues, it may not provide the variety and texture that a mechanical soft diet offers, which can be more satisfying and nutritionally adequate for someone with multiple cavities and missing teeth.

Choice B Reason:

A soft diet includes foods that are easy to chew and swallow but are not necessarily blended or pureed. This diet is often recommended for clients recovering from surgery or those with mild chewing difficulties. However, for a client with multiple cavities, chipped, and missing teeth, a soft diet might still pose challenges in terms of chewing and could lead to discomfort or inadequate nutrition.

Choice C Reason:

A mechanical soft diet is specifically designed for individuals who have difficulty chewing but do not require pureed foods. This diet includes foods that are easy to chew and swallow, such as ground meats, cooked vegetables, and soft fruits. It provides a balance of texture and nutrition, making it the most appropriate choice for a client with multiple cavities, chipped, and missing teeth. This diet helps ensure the client can eat comfortably and maintain adequate nutrition.

Choice A Reason:

Losing weight is one of the most effective ways to reduce the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Excess weight, especially around the neck, can increase the risk of airway obstruction during sleep. Studies have shown that losing even 5-10% of body weight can significantly improve OSA symptoms. Therefore, the statement about losing 50 pounds indicates a good understanding of how weight loss can help manage sleep apnea.

Choice B Reason:

Taking a sleeping pill at night is not recommended for individuals with obstructive sleep apnea. Many sleeping pills, especially those that are sedatives or muscle relaxants, can worsen sleep apnea by relaxing the muscles of the throat, leading to increased airway obstruction. Therefore, this statement does not indicate an understanding of the appropriate management of sleep apnea.

Choice C Reason:

Using a humidifier can help alleviate some symptoms associated with sleep apnea, such as dry mouth and nasal congestion, but it does not directly reduce the number of apneic episodes. While a humidifier can improve comfort, it is not a primary treatment for reducing apneic episodes in OSA patients.

Choice D Reason:

Sleeping on the back is generally not recommended for individuals with obstructive sleep apnea. This position can cause the tongue and soft tissues to collapse to the back of the throat, worsening airway obstruction. Side sleeping is usually recommended to help keep the airway open. Therefore, this statement does not indicate an understanding of the best sleep practices for managing sleep apnea.