The nurse provided oxygen device safety education to a client and their family. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further education?

Rationale:
A. A client with an infection on the foot who has an order for antifungal cream requires treatment, but this is not an immediate life-threatening situation. While topical antifungals are important for managing infection, the client’s condition is stable and can be addressed after more urgent needs are met.

B. A client with new chest pain who has a STAT order for nitroglycerin paste should be seen first. New chest pain may indicate myocardial ischemia or an acute coronary event, which is a potentially life-threatening condition. Administering the nitroglycerin promptly is critical to relieve pain, improve coronary blood flow, and prevent complications such as myocardial infarction. STAT orders indicate immediate priority, making this client the highest priority among those listed.

C. A client with chronic pain who has a scheduled fentanyl patch requires ongoing pain management, but this is a non-urgent, routine intervention. Delaying the application by a short time is less likely to result in immediate harm compared with a client experiencing new chest pain.

D. A client with an order for collagenase during wound care also requires timely intervention for proper wound healing, but the condition is not life-threatening. Wound care can be safely scheduled after urgent interventions, such as addressing new chest pain, are completed.

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.