HESI Fundamentals Test Bank Related

Review HESI Fundamentals Test Bank related questions and content

The nurse is preparing to assist a newly admitted client with personal hygiene measures. The nurse wants to assess the client's gag reflex. Which action should the nurse include?

  • A. Offer small sips of water through a straw
  • B. Place tongue blade on back half of tongue
  • C. Use a penlight to observe back of the oral cavity
  • D. Auscultate breath sounds after the client swallows
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to include when assessing the client's gag reflex is to place a tongue blade on the back half of the tongue. This method effectively tests the gag reflex without causing discomfort. Choice A is incorrect because offering small sips of water through a straw does not assess the gag reflex. Choice C is incorrect as using a penlight to observe the back of the oral cavity does not directly assess the gag reflex. Choice D is incorrect since auscultating breath sounds after the client swallows does not evaluate the gag reflex.