Nutrition HESI Practice Exam Related

Review Nutrition HESI Practice Exam related questions and content

An 86-year-old nursing home resident who has decreased mental status is hospitalized with pneumonic infiltrates in the right lower lobe. When the nurse assists the client with a clear liquid diet, the client begins to cough. What should the nurse do next?

  • A. Add a thickening agent to the fluids
  • B. Check the client's gag reflex
  • C. Feed the client only solid foods
  • D. Increase the rate of intravenous fluids
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Checking the client's gag reflex is the appropriate action in this scenario. It helps assess the client's ability to swallow safely without the risk of aspiration. Adding a thickening agent to the fluids (Choice A) may be considered later if swallowing difficulties persist. Feeding the client only solid foods (Choice C) can increase the risk of aspiration in this case, and increasing the rate of intravenous fluids (Choice D) does not address the swallowing concern.