The nurse who is beginning oral feedings on a client who is returning to consciousness will
A) begin feedings with water.
B) place about 1 teaspoon of liquid in the front of the mouth.
C) position the client upright.
D) stroke the posterior neck to promote swallowing.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As consciousness returns and the client begins to respond to verbal stimuli and has a gag reflex, test the client's ability to suck and to swallow liquids. Before the test, position the client in high-Fowler position, and have suction equipment nearby in case it is needed. The nurse should use thickened juice or ice chips because these are easier to swallow than just water. The juice should be placed near the back of the mouth. Stroking the anterior, not posterior, neck can stimulate swallowing. This would be an intervention for a client with impaired swallowing as determined by a swallowing study.

The Nurse Who Is Beginning Oral Feedings on a Client