A nurse is caring for a client who has experienced a cerebrovascular accident with resulting dysphagia.
Which of the following therapists assists clients to learn to eat with less risk of aspiration?

The correct answer is choice D. “I’ll think about my grandfather’s farm to reduce pain.” This statement indicates an understanding of guided imagery, which is a relaxation technique that aims to help lower the levels of stress hormones and pain perception by imagining a scene that involves each of the senses and positive emotions.

Guided imagery can help to distract from pain signals and reduce anxiety, which can also contribute to pain.

Choice A is wrong because it does not involve creating a specific imagined reality, but rather noticing the sensation of muscle tension, which may increase awareness of pain.

Choice B is wrong because it does not involve using all of the senses and emotions, but rather listening to music, which may be relaxing but not as effective as guided imagery for pain relief.

Choice C is wrong because it does not involve imagining a scene, but rather using focused breathing to control pain, which is another relaxation technique but not guided imagery.

The correct answer is choice A. Evaluate the client’s concerns and communicate them to the provider.

This is because the nurse’s role as a patient advocate is to speak, act or behave in a way that benefits their patient, who may not be able to support or promote their own needs or interests.

The nurse should provide patients with information regarding their diagnoses, prognoses, treatments, and alternatives, and serve as a patient’s voice when necessary.

Choice B is wrong because contacting the unit’s social worker to report the client’s refusal is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take as a patient advocate.

The nurse should respect the patient’s autonomy and right to refuse treatment, and not involve other professionals without the patient’s consent.

Choice C is wrong because asking the client’s partner to find out why the client has refused the procedure is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take as a patient advocate.

The nurse should communicate directly with the patient and not rely on third parties to obtain information or influence the patient’s decision.

Choice D is wrong because explaining the necessity of the procedure to the client is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take as a patient advocate.

The nurse should not impose their own values or opinions on the patient, but rather provide unbiased and factual information and support the patient’s informed choice.