NCLEX: A 58-year-old client after a stroke is being evaluated for nursing care related to diabetes nutrition teaching. A…

Nutrition Basic Care and Comfort

Case Study

A 58-year-old client after a stroke is being evaluated for nursing care related to diabetes nutrition teaching. Assessment data include the client coughs when drinking thin liquids and has wet vocal quality after swallowing. Which finding requires the nurse to intervene immediately?

Question

A. The new finding that coughs when drinking thin liquids and has wet vocal quality after swallowing.
B. A stable, long-standing finding that matches the expected care plan.
C. A comfort request with unchanged vital signs and no new symptoms.
D. Routine data unchanged from the prior assessment.

Rationale

Correct answer: A. The new finding that coughs when drinking thin liquids and has wet vocal quality after swallowing.

Rationale: Follow-up items test whether the nurse recognizes cues that are new, acute, or inconsistent with stability and need prompt nursing action.

Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.

Level: Advanced

Difficulty: Hard

Subtopic: Diabetes nutrition teaching