Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 71%
Simulated
A home health nurse is visiting a client who had a stroke 2 months ago. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the interprofessional care team?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct answer is C: The client coughs when swallowing her medications. This finding should be reported because coughing when swallowing can indicate dysphagia, a common complication after a stroke that can lead to aspiration pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonia is a serious condition that requires immediate attention to prevent respiratory complications. Reporting this finding to the interprofessional care team allows for prompt assessment and intervention to prevent further complications.
Choices A, B, and D are not as urgent to report to the interprofessional care team. A client dressing their affected side first, bearing weight on arms with crutches, or a caregiver filling a pill organizer weekly do not pose immediate risks to the client's health and do not require immediate intervention from the care team. These findings are important for monitoring the client's progress and adjusting care plans but do not have the same level of urgency as coughing when swallowing medications.
Choices A, B, and D are not as urgent to report to the interprofessional care team. A client dressing their affected side first, bearing weight on arms with crutches, or a caregiver filling a pill organizer weekly do not pose immediate risks to the client's health and do not require immediate intervention from the care team. These findings are important for monitoring the client's progress and adjusting care plans but do not have the same level of urgency as coughing when swallowing medications.