A nurse is supervising an assistive personnel who is feeding a client who has dysphagia. Which of the following actions by the AP should the nurse identify as correct technique?
Providing a 10 min rest period prior to meals
Elevating the head of the client’s bed to 30 degrees during mealtime
Instructing the client to place her chin toward her chest when swallowing
Withholding fluids until the end of the meal
The Correct Answer is C
a. Providing a 10-minute rest period prior to meals:
This action is not specifically related to feeding technique for clients with dysphagia. While providing a rest period before meals may be beneficial for some clients, especially those who experience fatigue or dyspnea, it is not a standard technique for managing dysphagia during mealtime.
b. Elevating the head of the client’s bed to 30 degrees during mealtime:
The head of the bed should be elevated to at least 45–90 degrees during meals to minimize the risk of aspiration. A 30-degree elevation is insufficient for safe swallowing and increases the likelihood of aspiration.
c. Instructing the client to place her chin toward her chest when swallowing:
This technique, known as the chin-tuck maneuver, helps reduce the risk of aspiration in clients with dysphagia by improving airway protection and directing food and liquid down the esophagus instead of the trachea. It is a widely recommended method to promote safe swallowing.
d. Withholding fluids until the end of the meal:
Fluids should not be withheld until the end of the meal as they are often necessary to help the client swallow food safely and prevent choking. Thickened fluids may be prescribed for clients with dysphagia to aid in safe swallowing.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
a. Help the AP assist the client with the transfer.
While it is important to instruct the AP to seek assistance when unsure, this does not immediately address the safety of the client during the current incorrect transfer.
b. Demonstrate the proper client transfer technique to the AP.
Demonstrating the proper technique is an important step, but it should come after ensuring the immediate safety of the client. This can be done once the client is safely transferred.
c. Instruct the AP to request assistance when unsure about a task.
Correct. The nurse's first priority should be the safety of the client. By immediately assisting the AP with the transfer, the nurse ensures the client's safety and prevents potential injury.
d. Refer the AP to the facility procedure manual.
Referring the AP to the procedure manual is important for future reference, but it does not address the immediate risk to the client. This action can be taken after ensuring the client's safety and demonstrating the correct technique.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
a. Contact the case manager to discuss discharge options: This is an appropriate action. The case manager can assist in assessing the client's needs and coordinating appropriate discharge arrangements, such as arranging for home health services or exploring alternative care options.
b. Request another family member assist the client’s partner with care: This may be a helpful action if there is another family member who can provide support. However, it's important to consider the availability and willingness of other family members to take on caregiving responsibilities.
c. Recommend the partner place the client in a long-term care facility: This option may be considered if the partner is unable to continue providing care and there are no other feasible options available. However, it should be discussed with the client and their partner and explored as one of several potential solutions.
d. Ask the provider to delay the client’s discharge home for a few more days: This may be appropriate if there are concerns about the client's safety or if additional time is needed to arrange for alternative care options. However, it's important to address the underlying issues contributing to the partner's inability to provide care and to explore long-term solutions.
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