Editing Nutrition – LPN Practice Questions (section)

==Question 5==
Which actions should the LPN take when assisting a client with meals to reduce the risk of aspiration? '''Select all that apply.'''
# Keep the head of the bed elevated during the meal.
# Keep the client upright for at least 30 minutes after the meal.
# Check the client's mouth for pocketed food after each few bites.
# Talk with the client and ask questions while the client is chewing.
# Provide small bites and avoid rushing the meal.

'''Answer:''' 1, 2, 3, and 5.

''Rationale:'' Upright positioning during and after meals, small bites, an unhurried pace, and checking for food pocketed in the cheeks are all core aspiration precautions. Option 4 is unsafe: asking questions while the client has food in the mouth invites the client to talk and inhale with food in the pharynx. Conversation should be limited to periods when the mouth is empty. If the client coughs, chokes, or has a wet-sounding voice during the meal, the LPN stops feeding and reports to the RN.