A nurse is caring for a client who has a chest tube in place to a closed chest drainage system. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client’s lung has expanded?

Choice A reason: Placing food on the weaker side of the mouth when eating is not an effective strategy for a client who has dysphagia. This can increase the risk of choking or aspiration, as the food may not be chewed properly or may slip into the airway. The client should place food on the stronger side of the mouth and use the tongue to move it to the back of the throat for swallowing.

Choice B reason: Tilting the head forward when swallowing is an effective technique for a client who has dysphagia. This can help to close off the airway and prevent food or liquid from entering the lungs. The client should also tuck the chin down to the chest and swallow hard.

Choice C reason: Coughing while swallowing food is not a desirable outcome for a client who has dysphagia. This can indicate that the food is going into the wrong pipe and causing irritation or obstruction. The client should try to avoid coughing while swallowing and clear the throat after each bite or sip.

Choice D reason: Sitting at a 30° angle while eating meals is not a sufficient position for a client who has dysphagia. This can still allow food or liquid to flow back into the throat and cause choking or aspiration. The client should sit upright at a 90° angle and remain in that position for at least 30 minutes after eating.

Choice A reason: Placing suction equipment at the client’s bedside is a necessary action for the nurse to take for a client who has right sided acoustic neuroma resulting in impairment of cranial nerves IX and X. Acoustic neuroma is a noncancerous tumor that develops on the vestibulocochlear nerve, which is responsible for hearing and balance. It can also affect the adjacent cranial nerves, such as the glossopharyngeal (CN IX) and the vagus (CN X) nerves, which are involved in swallowing and gagging. A client with acoustic neuroma may have difficulty swallowing and clearing secretions, which can increase the risk of aspiration and respiratory infections. The nurse should have suction equipment ready to remove any excess saliva or mucus from the client’s mouth or throat.

Choice B reason: Avoiding the use of warm water to wash the client’s face is not a relevant action for the nurse to take for a client who has right sided acoustic neuroma resulting in impairment of cranial nerves IX and X. The temperature of the water does not affect the function of these nerves or the tumor. The nurse should use gentle and appropriate hygiene measures to clean the client’s face and prevent skin breakdown.

Choice C reason: Providing range of motion exercises to the client’s neck and shoulders is not a priority action for the nurse to take for a client who has right sided acoustic neuroma resulting in impairment of cranial nerves IX and X. Range of motion exercises can help to maintain joint mobility and prevent stiffness, but they are not directly related to the cranial nerve impairment or the tumor. The nurse should consult with a physical therapist to determine the best exercise regimen for the client.

Choice D reason: Applying an eye patch to the client’s right eye is not a helpful action for the nurse to take for a client who has right sided acoustic neuroma resulting in impairment of cranial nerves IX and X. An eye patch is used to protect the eye from injury or infection, or to treat conditions such as strabismus or amblyopia. An eye patch does not affect the function of the cranial nerves IX and X or the tumor. The nurse should monitor the client’s eye movements and vision, as acoustic neuroma can also affect the facial (CN VII) and oculomotor (CN III) nerves, which are involved in blinking and eye movement.