A nurse is instructing a client’s family members about feeding safety for a client who has dysphagia following a stroke. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Choice A reason: Placing the client with the head reclined back is unsafe for dysphagia, as it increases aspiration risk by allowing food or liquid to enter the airway. Proper positioning involves an upright posture (90 degrees) to facilitate safe swallowing by aligning the esophagus and reducing the chance of aspiration. Choice B reason: Encouraging brief exercise before meals may promote appetite but is not directly related to feeding safety in dysphagia. The priority is preventing aspiration and ensuring safe swallowing, which involves techniques like upright positioning and small bites, rather than focusing on appetite stimulation in this context. Choice C reason: Encouraging small bites is a critical safety measure for dysphagia. Smaller food volumes reduce the risk of choking and aspiration by allowing better control during swallowing. This technique helps compensate for impaired pharyngeal muscle coordination post-stroke, ensuring safer food passage into the esophagus. Choice D reason: Placing food on the affected side of the mouth is incorrect for dysphagia management. Food should be placed on the unaffected side to leverage stronger muscle control for swallowing. The affected side may have impaired sensation or motor function, increasing aspiration risk if food is placed there.