The nurse is caring for a client who has had a stroke and has a new prescription to attempt oral feedings. After assessing the client's gag reflex, which of the following actions should the nurse do next?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The client should be as upright as possible before attempting feeding to make swallowing easier and decrease aspiration risk. To assess swallowing ability, the nurse should initially offer water or ice to the client. Puréed diets are not recommended because the texture is too smooth. The client may have a poor appetite, but the oral feeding should be attempted regardless.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client Who Has Had