A nurse is collecting data from a client who is recovering from a recent stroke.
Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse the need for a referral to a speech-language pathologist?

Keep your environment well ventilated. This can help reduce nausea and vomiting by eliminating odors that might trigger them.

Some additional explanations are:

Choice B is wrong because eating three large meals each day can increase nausea and vomiting by overloading the stomach. It is better to eat small, frequent meals and avoid spicy, greasy, or strong-smelling foods.

Choice C is wrong because restricting intake of high-carbohydrate foods can lead to ketosis, which can worsen nausea and vomiting. High-carbohydrate foods can also help settle the stomach and provide energy.

Choice D is wrong because brushing your teeth immediately after eating can stimulate the gag reflex and cause nausea and vomiting. It is better to rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after eating and brush your teeth at least an hour later.

Normal ranges for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy are:

• Nausea and vomiting usually start around 6 weeks of gestation and peak around 9 weeks. They usually subside by 16 to 20 weeks, but some women may experience them throughout pregnancy.
• Nausea and vomiting are considered mild if they do not interfere with daily activities or nutrition. They are considered moderate if they cause some difficulty with daily activities or nutrition. They are considered severe if they prevent adequate intake of fluids and nutrients, cause weight loss, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, or ketonuria.
• Nausea and vomiting that are severe or persist beyond 20 weeks of gestation may indicate a complication such as hyperemesis gravidarum, molar pregnancy, multiple gestation, or infection.

The nurse should give report using the SBAR Communication tool in the following order: Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation. This tool provides a framework for communication between members of the health care team about a patient’s condition. It allows for an easy and focused way to set expectations for what will be communicated and how between members of the team.

Choice A is wrong because it is part of the Background section of the SBAR tool, which comes after the Situation section.

Choice C is wrong because it is part of the Assessment section of the SBAR tool, which comes after the Background section.

Choice D is wrong because it is also part of the Background section of the SBAR tool, which comes after the Situation section.