The nurse is assessing a patient who frequently coughs after eating or drinking. How should the nurse best follow up this assessment finding?
A) Obtain a sputum sample.
B) Perform a swallowing assessment.
C) Inspect the patient's tongue and mouth.
D) Assess the patient's nutritional status.
Ans: B
Feedback:
Coughing after food intake may indicate aspiration of material into the tracheobronchial tree; a swallowing assessment is thus indicated. Obtaining a sputum sample is relevant in cases of suspected infection. The status of the patient's tongue, mouth, and nutrition is not directly relevant to the problem of aspiration.
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The nurse is providing education for the parents of a 7-month-old child who has just been diagnosed with hearing loss. What guidance should the nurse provide?
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