A nurse is caring for a client who has dysphagia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Place the client in a semi-Fowler's position when eating.
Initiate calorie count of daily food intake.
Instruct the client to keep their chin up when swallowing.
Provide food in a thin liquid consistency.
The Correct Answer is A
Place the client in a semi-Fowler's position when eating. The semi-Fowler's position involves elevating the head of the bed to an angle of 30 to 45 degrees. This position helps prevent aspiration by facilitating proper swallowing and reducing the risk of food or liquid entering the airway.
Initiating a calorie count of daily food intake is not a specific action for dysphagia. Calorie counting is generally used for monitoring caloric intake in clients with specific dietary needs or conditions, but it is not directly related to dysphagia management. The focus for dysphagia management is on ensuring safe swallowing and preventing complications such as aspiration.
Instructing the client to keep their chin up when swallowing is not appropriate for dysphagia management. This action can actually increase the risk of aspiration. The proper technique for swallowing with dysphagia typically involves tucking the chin slightly down towards the chest to help close off the airway and direct the food or liquid down the esophagus.
Providing food in a thin liquid consistency is not appropriate for dysphagia unless specifically recommended by a healthcare professional. Dysphagia diets typically involve modifying the consistency of food and liquids based on the client's swallowing abilities and recommendations from a speech-language pathologist or dietitian. Different levels of texture modifications (such as pureed, minced, or mechanically soft) may be prescribed to ensure safe swallowing and reduce the risk of aspiration.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The nurse should include the instruction to "allow the toddler to feed himself" in the teaching. Allowing toddlers to self-feed promotes independence and helps develop their fine motor skills.
It also allows them to explore different textures and tastes of food, which can contribute to their overall development and acceptance of a variety of foods.
"Set meal times immediately after physical activity": It is not necessary to schedule meals immediately after physical activity. It is more important to focus on regular meal and snack times throughout the day to ensure the toddler's nutritional needs are met.
"Avoid snacks between meals": Snacks are an important part of a toddler's diet as they have small stomachs and may not be able to consume enough food during regular meal times.
Nutritious snacks can provide additional energy and nutrients to support their growth and development. However, it is important to choose healthy snacks and avoid excessive consumption of sugary or high-calorie snacks.
"Provide different food for the toddler than the parents": It is generally recommended to offer the same types of healthy foods to both the toddler and the rest of the family. This helps promote family meals and exposes the child to a variety of flavors and textures. However, the food may need to be prepared or served in a way that is suitable for the toddler's age and developmental stage (e.g., cut into small pieces or mashed).
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Low potassium levels, known as hypokalemia, can be a significant concern in individuals with bulimia nervosa due to the frequent purging behaviors associated with the condition. Purging, such as self-induced vomiting or misuse of laxatives or diuretics, can lead to excessive loss of potassium from the body. Hypokalemia can have serious consequences, including cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, fatigue, and even life-threatening complications.
The normal range for potassium is typically around 3.5-5.0 mEq/L. With a potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L falling below the normal range, it indicates a low potassium level and requires prompt attention.
The other laboratory results mentioned in the question are within normal ranges:
● A WBC (white blood cell) count of 5,200/mm3 falls within the normal range (typically between 4,500 and 11,000/mm3) and indicates a normal white blood cell count.
● An Hgb (hemoglobin) level of 14 g/dL falls within the normal range (typically between 12 and 16 g/dL) and indicates a normal hemoglobin level.
● A magnesium level of 1.6 mEq/L, although slightly low, is still within the normal range (typically between 1.5 and 2.5 mEq/L). The nurse should monitor it closely and assess for symptoms associated with hypomagnesemia. If the client's symptoms or other clinical indications suggest a significant magnesium imbalance, the healthcare provider should be notified.
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