A nurse is assessing a client who is recovering from a stroke. Which of the following findings is a manifestation of dysphagia?

Steak cut into small pieces: While it is important to introduce a variety of textures and flavors to toddlers, steak may be challenging for them to chew and swallow safely. It is recommended to offer softer and more easily chewable protein sources, such as finely minced or shredded cooked meat, ground meat, or soft fish.

Cooked spaghetti with sauce: This is a good choice for a toddler. Cooked spaghetti with sauce provides a balanced meal that includes carbohydrates from the pasta, nutrients from the sauce (e.g., vegetables, protein), and a variety of flavors and textures. It is important to ensure that the spaghetti is cooked to an appropriate tenderness for the toddler's chewing and swallowing abilities.

Hot dogs cut in fourths: Hot dogs pose a potential choking hazard for toddlers due to their cylindrical shape and texture. Cutting the hot dog into smaller pieces is a safety measure, but it is still recommended to be cautious with hot dog consumption and offer alternative protein sources that are safer and easier to chew.

Caramel popcorn: Caramel popcorn is not an appropriate food choice for toddlers. Popcorn can be a choking hazard due to its small, hard, and irregular shape. Caramel popcorn can also be high in added sugars, which are not recommended in excess for young children. It is important to provide safe, age-appropriate snacks that are easy to chew and swallow, such as cut fruits, soft-cooked vegetables, or age-appropriate crackers.

Dysphagia refers to difficulty or discomfort in swallowing. It can occur as a result of weakened or impaired muscles involved in swallowing, which is common after a stroke. When dysphagia is present, it can affect the function of the vocal cords and lead to changes in voice quality, including hoarseness. The hoarseness may be due to the entry of food or liquid into the airway during swallowing, causing irritation to the vocal cords.

Weight gain is not a typical manifestation of dysphagia. If dysphagia is severe and leads to food avoidance or restricted intake, weight loss may occur instead.

Continuous smiling is not a specific manifestation of dysphagia. It may be seen in some stroke survivors as a result of changes in facial muscle control, such as facial weakness or spasticity. However, it is not directly related to dysphagia.

Expressive aphasia refers to difficulty expressing thoughts or using language effectively. It is a common language impairment that can occur after a stroke, specifically affecting the ability to produce or articulate words and sentences. While it is a communication difficulty, it is not directly related to dysphagia, which specifically refers to difficulty swallowing.