The nurse instructs the health care aide to feed an older adult. If the nurse is unable to observe feeding directly, which action should the nurse use to assess the older adult's risk for aspiration immediately following feeding?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Inspecting for pocketing (when food remains in the oral cavity after swallow) is the best way to assess the risk for aspiration immediately following feeding. This is because pocketing can lead to aspiration during subsequent attempts to swallow. Monitoring food volume and skin colour, as well as respiratory rate and rhythm, can provide additional information about the older adult's overall health status, but may not specifically indicate the risk for aspiration.

The Nurse Instructs the Health Care Aide to Feed an Older