The nurse is caring for an unconscious client. For which reason should the nurse prevent the aspiration of fluid into the client's lungs?
1. The laryngeal and cough reflexes do not function if the client is unconscious.
2. The client who is unconscious does not breathe.
3. The cough reflex is diminished when the client is unconscious.
4. The sinuses drain when the client is unconscious.
Answer: 1
1. The client who is unconscious accumulates saliva in the mouth. The laryngeal and cough reflexes do not function, and the client is at risk for aspirating.
2. Unconscious clients breathe.
3. The cough reflex is nonfunctional, not just diminished, when the client is unconscious.
4. There is no correlation between unconsciousness and sinus drainage.
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