Question

which of the following actions should a nurse take to assess a client who had a stroke for complications secondary to inadequate swallowing?

• auscultate the client’s lungs.
• place the tip of a tongue depressor on the client’s posterior tongue.
• inspect the client’s uvula and soft palate with a penlight.
• place fingers on the client’s throat at the level of the larynx and ask the client to swallow.

Explanation:

Inadequate swallowing in stroke patients can lead to aspiration (entry of food/fluid into lungs), causing respiratory complications. Auscultating the lungs helps detect abnormal breath sounds (like crackles/wheezes) indicating aspiration. The other options assess swallowing mechanics or oral structures, not lung complications from aspiration.

Answer:

A. Auscultate the client's lungs.