A nurse is providing care to four clients in an acute care setting. The nurse should identify that which of the following client statements presents an ethical dilemma?

The correct answer is choice B: "Support the client's feet with foot boots."

Choice A rationale:

Flexing the client's feet using pillows might not be sufficient to prevent foot drop. Foot drop is a condition where the client is unable to dorsiflex their foot, and using pillows alone may not provide adequate support to prevent this condition.

Choice B rationale:

Supporting the client's feet with foot boots is the most appropriate intervention to prevent foot drop due to immobility. Foot boots are specifically designed to hold the foot in a dorsiflexed position, preventing the calf muscles from tightening and causing foot drop.

Choice C rationale:

Placing a hand roll under the client's heels might offer some relief, but it's not the most effective intervention for preventing foot drop. Hand rolls are generally used to prevent footdrop by keeping the ankles in a neutral position, rather than solely supporting the heels.

Choice D rationale:

Removing ankle-foot orthotic devices at bedtime is not recommended if the client is at risk for developing foot drop. Ankle-foot orthotic devices are designed to provide continuous support to the feet and prevent muscle contractures. Removing them at bedtime could compromise the effectiveness of the intervention.

The correct answer is choice D: "Instruct the client to tilt their head forward while eating."

Choice A rationale:

Offering the client a straw to drink liquids might not be suitable for someone with dysphagia following a stroke. Straws can sometimes contribute to aspiration risk, especially if the client has difficulty controlling their swallowing reflex. Using a straw might lead to aspiration of liquids, which can be dangerous for the client's respiratory health.

Choice B rationale:

Placing food toward the back of the client's mouth could increase the risk of choking and aspiration, especially if the client has difficulty swallowing due to dysphagia. It's important to place small bites of food at the front of the mouth and encourage slow, controlled chewing and swallowing to reduce the risk of aspiration.

Choice C rationale:

Encouraging the client to lie down and rest for 30 minutes after meals is not a recommended intervention for someone with dysphagia. This position can actually increase the risk of aspiration. The client should be in an upright position while eating and for some time after eating to allow gravity to assist in preventing aspiration.

Choice D rationale:

Instructing the client to tilt their head forward while eating helps to facilitate safer swallowing by preventing food from entering the airway. This posture helps direct the food toward the esophagus and reduces the risk of aspiration. It's an essential technique for clients with dysphagia to maintain their airway safety while eating.