A child, age 3 years, has cerebral palsy (CP) and is hospitalized for orthopedic surgery. His mother says he has difficulty swallowing and cannot hold a utensil to feed himself. He is slightly underweight for his height
What is the most appropriate nursing action related to feeding this child?
a. Bottle or tube feed him a specialized formula until he gains sufficient weight.
b. Stabilize his jaw with caregiver's hand (either from a front or side position) to facilitate swallowing.
c. Place him in a well-supported, semireclining position.
d. Place him in a sitting position with his neck hyperextended to make use of gravity flow.
ANS: B
Jaw control is compromised in many children with CP. More normal control is achieved if the feeder stabilizes the oral mechanisms from the front or side of the face. Bottle or tube feeding will not improve feeding without jaw support. The semireclining position and hyperextended neck position increase the chances of aspiration.
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