The nurse is caring for a client with trigeminal neuralgia (tic douloureux). The care plan for this client reflects the client's problem eating due to jaw pain

Question

To assist the client in meeting the adequate nutritional needs, what should the nurse suggest? A) Take small meals of nutrient and calorie-dense food.
B) Increase the intake of calcium and proteins.
C) Include additional servings of fruits and raw vegetables.
D) Include fish, liver, and chicken in diet.

Answer 1

A
Feedback:
To help a client with trigeminal neuralgia who suffers pain in the jaws meet his or her nutritional needs, the nurse should offer small meals of soft consistency. Foods may be pureed to minimize jaw movements when eating. There is no need for the client to increase the intake of fruits and raw vegetables, calcium, or proteins during trigeminal neuralgia. In addition, an increased intake of fruits and raw vegetables requires excessive chewing, potentially increasing the incidence of jaw pain. The nurse should avoid offering meat and fish in the diet because they also require excessive chewing by the client.