Complete the sentence by using the drop-down lists.

A nurse is administering ear drops to an adult client. The nurse should hold the pinna

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and

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Rationale:

A. Saying “I should drink water after every bite to help with swallowing” does not demonstrate correct understanding. Clients with dysphagia are often placed on thickened liquids because thin liquids such as water are more easily aspirated. Drinking water after every bite may actually increase the risk of aspiration unless specifically recommended by a speech-language pathologist.

B. Saying “I should chew my food quickly to avoid choking” is incorrect. Clients with dysphagia should eat slowly and chew thoroughly. Eating quickly increases the risk of choking and aspiration.

C. Saying “I should mostly eat foods that require more chewing” is incorrect. Clients with dysphagia are typically encouraged to eat soft, moist, and easy-to-swallow foods. Foods that require excessive chewing may increase fatigue and the risk of choking.

D. Saying “I should empty my mouth after each bite before taking another” demonstrates correct understanding. Ensuring the mouth is clear before taking another bite helps prevent pocketing of food in the cheeks and reduces the risk of aspiration. This is a key safety measure in dysphagia management.

Rationale:
A. An enlarged prostate can lead to urinary retention by obstructing the flow of urine through the urethra. This is a common cause in older male clients, as the prostate gland enlarges with age and compresses the urethra, making it difficult to empty the bladder completely.

B. High caffeine intake is a diuretic and can increase urine production, which may lead to increased frequency or urgency, but it does not cause urinary retention.

C. Increased fluid intake promotes urination by filling the bladder and stimulating normal voiding. It does not contribute to retention; in fact, it may help prevent it by maintaining bladder function.

D. Use of diuretics increases urine output, which can lead to more frequent urination or potential dehydration if fluids are not replaced, but it does not cause urinary retention. The bladder is typically emptied normally in response to diuretic-induced urine production.