An unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) is aiding a client recovering from a right-sided cerebrovascular accident with resulting mild oropharyngeal dysphagia. The client has been placed on a dysphagia diet. Which actions require intervention by the registered nurse? Select all that apply. A)The UAP adds milk to mashed potatoes to make them thinner B)The UAP encourages the client to occasionally turn the head to the left C)The UAP helps the client sit in an upright position D)The UAP places food on the strong side of the client's mouth E)The UAP puts a straw in a fruit smoothie to prevent spilling

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Clients with dysphagia are at risk for aspiration and aspiration pneumonia. Dietary modifications and swallowing rehabilitation measures can reduce the risk of aspiration in clients who can tolerate oral feedings. Specific techniques include the following: Modification of food consistency (pureed, mechanically altered, soft)Thickened liquidsHaving the client sit upright at a 90-degree angle (Option C)Placing food on the stronger side of the mouth to aid in bolus formation (Option D)Tilting the neck slightly to assist with laryngeal elevation and closure of the epiglottis Modification of food consistency (pureed, mechanically altered, soft) Thickened liquids Having the client sit upright at a 90-degree angle (Option C) Placing food on the stronger side of the mouth to aid in bolus formation (Option D) Tilting the neck slightly to assist with laryngeal elevation and closure of the epiglottis Some clients who have suffered a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) are also left with visual impairment such as hemianopsia; in this condition, a person sees only a portion of the visual field from each eye. A client with a right-sided CVA may have left-sided hemianopsia. Having the client turn the head during a meal will help the client see everything on the plate (Option B). (Option A) Adding milk to mashed potatoes will alter the consistency; if the consistency is too thin, the client will be at increased risk of aspiration. (Option E) Using a straw for drinking liquids might cause increased swallowing difficulty and choking. Controlling liquid intake through a straw is more difficult than drinking straight from a cup or glass. Educational objective: Measures for reducing the risk of aspiration for clients with dysphagia include diet modification (pureed, mechanically altered, soft), thickened liquids, positioning the client in an upright position, placing food on the stronger side of the mouth, and flexing the chin slightly downward. A client with visual impairment should be reminded to turn the head from time to time while eating.

An Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP) Is Aiding a Client Recovering