The nurse is caring for a client who has only months predicted to live. The client avoids questions regarding plans for care.
What is the next approach for the nurse to use when discussing end of life issues with the client?

A. 3 mL syringe and a sterile needle.
This is incorrect. A sterile needle is unnecessary for administering an oral medication. Syringes with needles are used for injections, not for measuring or delivering oral medications.

B. One ounce medicine cup.
This is incorrect. While a medicine cup can be used for liquid medications, it is not precise for small volumes such as 2 mL. The graduations on a medicine cup are typically in larger increments, making it difficult to measure accurately.

C. 3 mL syringe.
This is correct. A 3 mL syringe is precise and suitable for measuring a 2 mL dose of a viscous liquid. Syringes provide clear markings, ensuring accurate measurement of small volumes. Additionally, the absence of a needle makes it appropriate for oral administration.

D. Tuberculin syringe.
This is incorrect. Although a tuberculin syringe can accurately measure small doses, it is designed for very small volumes, such as 1 mL or less. A 3 mL syringe is more appropriate for a 2 mL dose.

A. Placing food on the unaffected side of the mouth is appropriate for a client who has had a CVA and may have unilateral weakness. This technique helps the client chew and swallow effectively, reducing the risk of aspiration.

B. Raising the head of the bed to 80 degrees is too high and can increase the risk of choking or aspiration by making it harder for the client to control the food bolus during swallowing. A more appropriate position is raising the head of the bed to 45–60 degrees, which facilitates safe swallowing while maintaining comfort. This action requires additional teaching.

C. Positioning the head with the chin tilted slightly downward, known as the chin-tuck position, is a recommended strategy to prevent aspiration. This position helps close the airway during swallowing, reducing the risk of food or liquid entering the trachea.

D. Allowing 30 minutes of rest before feeding is appropriate because it ensures the client is not fatigued, which can compromise swallowing ability and increase the risk of aspiration.