The nurse cares for a client with left-sided weakness after a stroke. What action should the nurse take when administering the client's medications?

Rationale:
A. Stopping medication administration if the client’s voice sounds wet or hoarse is correct because these are signs of dysphagia or potential aspiration. After a stroke, clients with left-sided weakness may have impaired swallowing reflexes, increasing the risk of choking or aspiration pneumonia. Assessing the client’s ability to swallow safely before giving oral medications is critical to prevent complications.

B. Instructing the client to lay supine after medication administration is incorrect. Lying flat increases the risk of aspiration, especially in clients with swallowing difficulties. The client should remain upright during and after medication administration to promote safe swallowing.

C. Placing medications in the center of the client’s mouth is incorrect. Medications should be placed on the stronger side of the mouth if the client has unilateral weakness, as placing them in the weaker side may make swallowing difficult and increase the risk of spillage or aspiration.

D. Encouraging the client to use a straw is incorrect for medication administration in clients with dysphagia. Using a straw can bypass the oral control needed to swallow safely and may increase the risk of aspiration. Medications should be given carefully, using strategies appropriate for the client’s swallowing ability, such as crushing (if allowed) or using thickened liquids.

Rationale:

• Upward is correct because in adults the ear canal slopes upward. Pulling the pinna upward helps straighten the external auditory canal to allow the medication to flow properly.
• Outward is correct because pulling the pinna outward further straightens the ear canal, ensuring the ear drops reach the intended area effectively.
• Downward is incorrect because pulling the pinna downward is appropriate for infants and young children under 3 years of age, not adults.
• Inward is incorrect because pushing the pinna inward would not straighten the ear canal and could cause discomfort or improper administration of the medication.