Difficulty: Hard

Average Score: 20%

If a nurse aide notices that a resident who suffers from dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is coughing during meals, the nurse aide should first:

Rationale

assist the resident in eating her meal.

When a resident with dysphagia coughs during meals, the immediate priority is to assist them safely while eating to prevent choking or aspiration. This proactive approach ensures the resident receives necessary support and reduces the risk of further complications.

A (feed the resident and not report it to the nurse) YOUR ANSWER

Feeding the resident without reporting the incident to the nurse is inappropriate and unsafe. It neglects the need for professional assessment and oversight, which are crucial for managing the specific risks associated with dysphagia. Reporting ensures that the care team is aware of the situation and can make necessary adjustments to the resident's care.

B (assist the resident in eating her meal) CORRECT

This is the correct choice as it addresses the immediate need to help the resident manage their meal safely. By providing assistance, the nurse aide can monitor the resident’s swallowing and intervene quickly if further complications arise, thus prioritizing the resident's safety.

C (offer to call a nurse aide from another unit to help) YOUR ANSWER

While seeking additional help can be valuable, it is not the most immediate action. The nurse aide should first provide assistance to the resident at that moment before considering external help, as the resident's immediate needs must be addressed without delay.

D (review the resident's care plan to determine accuracy) YOUR ANSWER

Reviewing the care plan is important but should not take precedence over addressing the immediate situation. The resident's safety and comfort during meals are of utmost importance, and reviewing the care plan can occur after the immediate needs are managed.

Conclusion

In situations involving residents with dysphagia, immediate action is crucial. Assisting the resident in eating is the best course of action to ensure their safety and well-being. Other options, while relevant, either delay necessary assistance or do not address the immediate risk of choking or aspiration. Properly responding to such incidents is essential for providing effective and compassionate care.

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