Editing Medical-Surgical Nursing – LPN Practice Questions (section)

==Question 13==
The licensed practical nurse is helping a patient who had a stroke to eat lunch. Which action is correct?
# Position the patient upright at 90 degrees and place food on the unaffected side of the mouth.
# Offer thin liquids through a straw to make swallowing easier.
# Allow the patient to recline for comfort during the meal.
# Encourage the patient to eat quickly before becoming fatigued.

'''Answer:''' Option 1, position the patient upright at 90 degrees and place food on the unaffected side of the mouth.

''Rationale:'' Upright positioning and placing food on the stronger side reduce the risk of aspiration, which is a leading complication after stroke. Option 2 is unsafe, because thin liquids are the hardest to control and straws increase aspiration risk; thickened liquids are used when prescribed. Option 3 increases aspiration risk. Option 4 is unsafe, because rushing increases the chance of choking; the patient is given small bites, adequate time, and is checked for food pocketing in the cheek.