A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a client who has dysphagia. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: A. Tilt the client's head forward during meals: Tilting the head forward, also known as the chin-tuck technique, helps close the airway and reduce the risk of aspiration in clients with dysphagia. This position facilitates safer swallowing by improving bolus control and airway protection. B. Encourage socialization during meal times: While social interaction is generally beneficial, clients with dysphagia require focused attention during meals to prevent choking or aspiration. Distractions can compromise concentration on swallowing techniques and safety precautions. C. Elevate the head of the client's bed to 30": Although elevating the head of the bed helps reduce aspiration risk, a 30" elevation is not optimal for swallowing. A 45–90 degree upright position is typically recommended during meals to support safer swallowing mechanics. D. Provide three large meals per day: Clients with dysphagia benefit more from small, frequent meals to reduce fatigue and lower the risk of aspiration. Large meals can overwhelm their ability to chew and swallow safely, increasing the risk of complications.