A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has hypertension and a prescription to measure their blood pressure daily. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

The correct answer is choice A: "Stand with your feet together and your arms at your sides."

Choice A rationale:

This statement is correct. The nurse should instruct the client to stand with their feet together and their arms at their sides for a Romberg test. This position helps to assess the client's ability to maintain balance with minimal sensory input, evaluating their proprioception and vestibular function.

Choice B rationale:

The instruction about the tuning fork is unrelated to the Romberg test. The tuning fork is commonly used to assess hearing and vibratory sensations, not balance.

Choice C rationale:

This statement is unrelated to the Romberg test. Mentioning the lateral side of the foot suggests a neurological examination related to assessing reflexes, such as the Babinski reflex.

Choice D rationale:

This instruction pertains to a different test known as the "finger-to-nose" test, which is used to assess coordination, not balance.

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.