103. A client with a vertebrobasilar stroke is being managed for dysphagia. Which intervention will be most helpful?
103. A client with a vertebrobasilar stroke is being managed for dysphagia. Which intervention will be most helpful?
. Eliminate distractions when giving directions.
. Keep the head of the bed flat after meals.
. Provide a thin liquid diet.
. Provide nutrition through a feeding tube.
Test-Taking Tip
Think of the Latin meaning of the problem—"dys" means "difficulty" and "phagia" means "to eat" → feed through tube.
Content Area: Adult Health, Cardiovascular; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Implementation; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Physiological Adaptation/Alterations in Body Systems
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Answer 1 is incorrect because dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing. Dysphasia (impaired speech) may be helped by eliminating distractions when giving directions, not dysphagia. Answer 2 is incorrect because dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing. Keeping the head elevated might help reduce risk of aspiration. Answer 3 is incorrect because thin liquids are more difficult to swallow than thick liquids and pureed foods. Answer 4 is correct because dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing. Nutrition may need to be provided through a feeding tube to prevent aspiration.