A patient admitted after an ischemic stroke is alert but has a wet voice and coughing when trying to drink water. Which nursing action is the priority?
Correct answer: A. Keep the patient nil by mouth and request a swallowing assessment
- A. Keep the patient nil by mouth and request a swallowing assessment
- B. Offer thickened fluids and reassess the cough later
- C. Place the patient flat and encourage repeated swallowing
- D. Give oral medicines with water to test swallowing ability
Explanation
Coughing and a wet voice suggest impaired swallowing with a high aspiration risk. Keeping the patient nil by mouth protects the airway until a formal swallowing assessment is completed; thickened fluids should not be started independently.
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About Neurological Nursing
Covers nursing assessment and management of stroke, epilepsy, meningitis, raised intracranial pressure, head injury, spinal cord disorders, Parkinson disease and multiple sclerosis. Key areas include level of consciousness, pupil responses, motor and sensory findings, seizure precautions and distinguishing upper motor neuron from lower motor neuron signs.
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