A nurse is preparing to screen a newborn for phenylketonuria. The nurse should inform the parents that this screening allows for early detection and intervention to prevent the development of which of the following conditions?

A. Place the client in semi-Fowler's position: Semi-Fowler’s position may provide some assistance with digestion and general comfort, but it is not optimal for reducing aspiration risk in clients with dysphagia. A more upright position high-Fowler's is preferred during meals to allow gravity to assist with safe swallowing and prevent food or liquid from entering the airway.
B. Encourage the client to drink a small amount of water after each bite: Encouraging the client to drink water between bites can increase the risk of aspiration. Thin liquids are particularly difficult to control in the mouth and pharynx for individuals with dysphagia and may enter the airway more easily. Thickened liquids are usually preferred instead, as they are easier to manage and reduce aspiration risk.
C. Offer the client liquids with a syringe during meals: Offering liquids with a syringe can create a strong, uncontrollable flow into the mouth increasing the risk of aspiration, especially in clients who already have impaired swallowing reflexes. Syringes are generally not used for feeding unless under very specific clinical circumstances and professional supervision.
D. Instruct the client to tuck their chin to their chest before swallowing: Tucking the chin to the chest (chin-tuck maneuver) helps close off the airway by narrowing the entrance to the trachea and directing the food or liquid more safely toward the esophagus. It is a simple yet effective method to significantly reduce aspiration risk in individuals with swallowing difficulties.

A. "Diet sodas should not be consumed more than two or three times per week." Many diet sodas contain aspartame, which is metabolized into phenylalanine. Individuals with PKU should avoid aspartame altogether, not just limit it, to prevent harmful phenylalanine buildup.
B. "Serum bilirubin should be monitored one to two times per month during pregnancy." Bilirubin monitoring is not related to PKU management. For clients with PKU, monitoring phenylalanine levels—not bilirubin—is essential to prevent fetal complications from elevated maternal phenylalanine.
C. "Breastfeeding will prevent your baby from developing PKU." PKU is a genetic disorder. Breastfeeding does not prevent its inheritance. However, breast milk can be used cautiously under medical guidance if the infant has PKU, along with a special low-phenylalanine formula.
D. "A low-protein diet should be followed for 3 months prior to conception." Strict control of phenylalanine levels through a low-protein, low-phenylalanine diet before and during pregnancy reduces the risk of teratogenic effects on the fetus, such as microcephaly and developmental delays.