Adult Health 1 Final Exam Related

Review Adult Health 1 Final Exam related questions and content

A client with a history of stroke presents with dysphagia. What is the most important nursing intervention to prevent aspiration?

  • A. Encourage the client to drink water between meals
  • B. Position the client in a high-Fowler's position during meals
  • C. Provide the client with thickened liquids
  • D. Allow the client to eat quickly
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Position the client in a high-Fowler's position during meals. Placing the client in a high-Fowler's position (sitting upright at a 90-degree angle) helps reduce the risk of aspiration by ensuring that the airway is protected during swallowing. This position facilitates easier swallowing and decreases the likelihood of food or liquids entering the respiratory tract. Encouraging the client to drink water between meals (choice A) does not directly address the risk of aspiration during meals. Providing thickened liquids (choice C) may be necessary for some patients with dysphagia but is not the most important intervention to prevent aspiration. Allowing the client to eat quickly (choice D) without proper positioning and precautions can increase the risk of aspiration.