A client is diagnosed with right-sided Bell's palsy. What instructions should the nurse give this client for care at home? Select all that apply.

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11ecbb05_ca34_79f2_b433_97a4b55c4da3_MD0009_00 Bell's palsy is an inflammation of cranial nerve VII (facial) that causes motor and sensory alterations. Clients are usually managed as outpatients, with corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and taught eye/oral care. In Bell's palsy, the eyelids do not close properly. This may result in eye dryness and risk of corneal abrasions. However, weakness of the lower eyelid may cause excessive tearing due to overflow in some clients. Facial muscle weakness results in poor chewing and food retention. Client teaching should include the following: Eye care: Use glasses during the day; wear a patch (or tape the eyelids) at night to protect the exposed eye. Use artificial tears during the day as needed to prevent excess drying of the cornea (Option A). Oral care: Chew on the unaffected side to prevent food trapping; a soft diet is recommended. Maintain good oral hygiene after every meal to prevent problems from accumulated residual food (eg, parotitis, dental caries) (Options C and D). (Options B and E) Vision, balance, consciousness, and extremity motor function are not impaired with Bell's palsy. Educational objective: Bell's palsy is an inflammation of cranial nerve VII (facial) that results in facial muscle weakness and inability to close the eyelids. Eye care (patch at night, artificial tears as needed) and oral care (eating on the unaffected side, oral hygiene after meals) are vital for these clients.

A Client Is Diagnosed with Right-Sided Bell's Palsy