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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
a. A client who has an asymmetrical thorax:
An asymmetrical thorax can indicate a potentially life-threatening condition such as a tension pneumothorax, hemothorax, or flail chest. These conditions can compromise respiratory function and require immediate intervention to ensure the client's airway and breathing are maintained.
b. A client who has an open fracture of the femur:
An open fracture of the femur is a serious injury that requires prompt attention to prevent complications such as infection and excessive blood loss. However, it is typically classified as urgent rather than emergent unless there are signs of significant hemorrhage or compromised perfusion that threaten life.
c. A client who has preorbital edema:
Preorbital edema, which is swelling around the eyes, can be concerning and requires evaluation but is not typically life-threatening. This condition is less likely to require immediate intervention compared to compromised airway or breathing issues.
d. A client who has a deep-partial thickness burn on the lower extremities:
Deep-partial thickness burns are serious and painful injuries that require medical attention. However, they are usually not immediately life-threatening unless they involve a large percentage of body surface area or are accompanied by other critical injuries or complications. They are often categorized as urgent rather than emergent.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
a. Prepare to administer antibiotics to the client.
This is the correct action. Cutaneous anthrax is typically treated with antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, or amoxicillin. Administering antibiotics promptly is essential to prevent the progression of anthrax infection.
b. Wear an N95 respirator mask while caring for the client.
While respiratory protection is important in certain situations, such as when caring for clients with respiratory infections, cutaneous anthrax is not transmitted through respiratory droplets. Therefore, wearing an N95 respirator mask is not necessary when caring for a client with cutaneous anthrax.
c. Plan to administer an antiviral medication to the client.
Anthrax is caused by a bacterium, not a virus, so antiviral medications would not be effective in treating anthrax infection. Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment for anthrax.
d. Place a surgical mask on the client during transfer to the unit.
Cutaneous anthrax does not spread from person to person through respiratory droplets, so placing a surgical mask on the client during transfer is not necessary for preventing transmission of the disease.
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