Which observation made by the nurse most suggests that a client is having difficulty swallowing?

Question

1. Drooling
2. Alternating food with liquid
3. Tongue furrows
4. Coughing after taking a drink

Answer 1

1. Drooling

Explanation: 1. Drooling suggests difficulty swallowing because the client is unable to swallow the saliva produced in the mouth.
2. Alternating bites of food with drinks of liquid does not necessarily indicate difficulty swallowing. The nurse assesses this behavior by asking about feelings of food sticking in chest.
3. Long furrows in the tongue are indicative of dehydration. There are many reasons for dehydration other than the inability to swallow correctly.
4. Coughing after ingestion of food or drink can indicate swallowing difficulties. However, if a drink is particularly cold, for example, it can stimulate a cough as well. The nurse carefully observes for the cough for evidence that swallowing is impaired.