A nurse inspects the abdomen for skin color, contour, surface characteristics, and symmetry.
What part of the abdominal assessment does the nurse perform next?

Choice A rationale

Minimizing the use of seasoning can decrease palatability and potentially reduce the client's food intake, negatively impacting their nutritional status. Flavorful foods can stimulate appetite and encourage better nutrient consumption.

Choice B rationale

Limiting finger foods may restrict autonomy and reduce intake for clients who have difficulty using utensils. Finger foods can provide independence and increase caloric intake for some individuals in long-term care.

Choice C rationale

Serving small, frequent meals can improve nutritional intake by preventing early satiety and providing a consistent supply of nutrients throughout the day. This approach is often beneficial for individuals with decreased appetite or difficulty tolerating large meals.

Choice D rationale

Offering three large meals daily might be overwhelming for some clients in long-term care who may have reduced appetites, slower digestion, or other medical conditions that make it difficult to consume large quantities of food at once.

Choice A rationale

A speech therapist specializes in diagnosing and treating swallowing disorders, such as dysphagia. They assess the client’s ability to swallow safely and provide interventions to improve swallowing techniques, including exercises and modifications to diet. Referral to a speech therapist is essential for managing dysphagia and preventing complications like aspiration pneumonia.

Choice B rationale

A respiratory therapist primarily deals with breathing problems and airway management, not swallowing difficulties. While respiratory therapists play a role in managing clients with respiratory distress, they do not specialize in dysphagia.

Choice C rationale

A dentist focuses on oral health, which is important for overall health, but they are not the appropriate specialist for managing dysphagia. While they may address oral conditions that could impact swallowing, dysphagia management requires the expertise of a speech therapist.

Choice D rationale

A physical therapist focuses on physical movement and rehabilitation. While physical therapy may assist in mobility and motor coordination, dysphagia management falls within the domain of a speech therapist, not a physical therapist.