A nurse is teaching the partner of a client who had a stroke about dysphagia. Which of the following statements by the client’s partner should indicate to the nurse that the teaching was effective?

Choice A reason: "Use simple, childlike statements when speaking." This response is not appropriate because it can be demeaning and disrespectful to the client. The client is an adult who knows what they want to say, but they have difficulty saying it. Using simple statements is helpful, but they should not be childlike or patronizing.

Choice B reason: "Use a higher pitched tone of voice when speaking." This response is not appropriate because it can be irritating and confusing to the client. The client may have normal hearing, or they may have hearing loss due to age or stroke. Using a higher pitched tone of voice can make the speech harder to understand and may imply that the client is not intelligent.

Choice C reason: "Incorporate nonverbal cues in the conversation." This response is appropriate because nonverbal cues, such as gestures, facial expressions, and drawings, can help the client understand and express themselves better. Nonverbal cues can also reduce frustration and anxiety for both the client and the family member.

Choice D reason: "Ask multiple choice questions as part of the conversation." This response is not appropriate because it can be overwhelming and stressful for the client. Multiple choice questions can be hard to process and remember for someone with aphasia. It is better to ask yes or no questions, or to provide options with visual cues.

Choice A reason: Attaching a humidifier bottle to the base of the flow meter is a correct action for the nurse to take for a client who has pneumonia and a prescription for oxygen therapy at 5 L/min via nasal cannula. A humidifier bottle adds moisture to the oxygen gas, which can prevent dryness and irritation of the nasal passages and the mucous membranes. A humidifier bottle is recommended for oxygen flow rates above 4 L/min.

Choice B reason: Securing the oxygen tubing to the bed sheet near the client’s head is not a correct action for the nurse to take for a client who has pneumonia and a prescription for oxygen therapy at 5 L/min via nasal cannula. Securing the oxygen tubing to the bed sheet can cause the tubing to kink or twist, which can reduce the oxygen flow or delivery. The nurse should secure the oxygen tubing to the client’s clothing or gown, and ensure that there is enough slack to allow the client to move comfortably.

Choice C reason: Applying petroleum jelly to the nares as needed to soothe mucous membranes is not a correct action for the nurse to take for a client who has pneumonia and a prescription for oxygen therapy at 5 L/min via nasal cannula. Petroleum jelly is a flammable substance that can ignite when exposed to oxygen. The nurse should avoid using petroleum jelly or any other oil-based products on the client’s face or nose when using oxygen therapy. The nurse should use water-based products, such as saline gel or nasal spray, to moisturize the nares and mucous membranes.

Choice D reason: Removing the nasal cannula while the client eats is not a correct action for the nurse to take for a client who has pneumonia and a prescription for oxygen therapy at 5 L/min via nasal cannula. Removing the nasal cannula can cause hypoxia, which is a low level of oxygen in the blood. The nurse should keep the nasal cannula in place while the client eats, and monitor the client’s oxygen saturation and respiratory status. The nurse should also assist the client with eating, and encourage small bites and sips to prevent aspiration.