A nurse is providing teaching about blood pressure measurement to a client who has hypertension. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Choice A reason: Using liquids to clear food from the client's mouth is not a safe intervention for dysphagia. Liquids can easily enter the airway and cause aspiration, which is the inhalation of food or fluids into the lungs. Aspiration can lead to pneumonia, respiratory distress, and death.

Choice B reason: Tilting the client's head backwards to facilitate swallowing is not a safe intervention for dysphagia. This position can also increase the risk of aspiration, as it opens the airway and allows food or fluids to flow into it.

Choice C reason: Adding a thickening agent to liquids is a safe and effective intervention for dysphagia. Thickened liquids are easier to swallow and control, as they move more slowly through the mouth and throat. They also reduce the risk of aspiration, as they are less likely to enter the airway.

Choice D reason: Placing the client in a semi-Fowler's position is not a safe intervention for dysphagia. This position can also increase the risk of aspiration, as it lowers the head and neck and reduces the closure of the airway. A better position for dysphagia is upright or high-Fowler's, which elevates the head and neck and enhances the closure of the airway.

Choice A reason: Creatinine 1.3 mg/dL is slightly elevated, but it does not indicate fluid volume excess. Creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism that is filtered by the kidneys. High creatinine levels can indicate kidney damage or impaired renal function.

Choice B reason: BNP 300 pg/mL is high and indicates fluid volume excess. BNP stands for brain natriuretic peptide, which is a hormone released by the heart when it is stretched by increased blood volume or pressure. High BNP levels can indicate heart failure or fluid overload.

Choice C reason: Potassium 3.5 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5-5.0), and it does not indicate fluid volume excess. Potassium is an electrolyte that helps regulate nerve and muscle function, especially the heart. Low or high potassium levels can cause cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, or paralysis.

Choice D reason: Sodium 140 mEq/L is within the normal range (135-145), and it does not indicate fluid volume excess. Sodium is an electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance, blood pressure, and nerve impulses. Low or high sodium levels can cause confusion, seizures, or coma.