The nurse is planning care for a client diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The client is able to communicate with the nurse to discuss their nutritional needs. The nurse includes the nursing diagnosis risk for aspiration in the plan of care. What is the best intervention for the nurse to include in the care plan to prevent aspiration?

Rationale: A. NG tube placement is invasive and not routinely indicated for patients who can safely eat orally. It is only used if the patient cannot swallow safely or meet nutritional needs orally, not as a first-line aspiration prevention strategy. Unnecessary NG tubes can increase the risk of infection and discomfort. B. Thickened liquids are easier to control in the mouth and reduce the risk of aspiration in patients with dysphagia, which is common in Parkinson’s disease due to impaired swallowing and delayed pharyngeal reflexes. Thickened liquids slow the flow of fluids, giving the patient more time to coordinate a safe swallow, and are considered a primary intervention for aspiration prevention. C. Solid foods, particularly tough or dry meats, are difficult to chew and swallow for patients with Parkinson’s disease. Even with frequent chewing, these foods increase the risk of choking and aspiration. Modified diets with soft, moist foods are safer. D. Thin liquids, such as water or juice, flow quickly and are harder to control during swallowing, which significantly increases the risk of aspiration in patients with dysphagia. Thin liquids should be avoided unless swallowing function is intact and closely monitored.