In assigning residents of a long-term care facility who need assistance with feeding, which client should be assigned to a practical nurse?

In assigning residents of a long-term care facility who need assistance with feeding, which client should be assigned to a practical nurse?

• A. Client who requires total assistance
• B. Client who drools but swallows solids
• C. Client who has difficulty speaking
• D. Client who prefers to eat independently

Answer: (B)

The assignment of clients in a long-term care facility should be approached by considering the level of assistance required and the competencies of the practical nurse. In this scenario, the correct choice is the client who drools but swallows solids. This client has a specific need that suggests the ability to manage their own ingestion to some degree, making them suitable for a practical nurse's care. Practical nurses are trained to assist with feeding and can provide support in monitoring swallowing and ensuring that the client can safely consume food without the risk of aspiration. The drooling indicates some level of difficulty, yet it does not necessitate total assistance or specialized skills beyond the practical nurse’s training. Thus, this assignment allows for effective care while ensuring that the client’s independence in feeding is promoted as much as possible. Other options involve more complex needs: the client requiring total assistance needs comprehensive support that would be more appropriately delegated to a registered nurse. The client with difficulty speaking may require specialized communication support, and the client preferring to eat independently suggests a preference that might not align with the need for assistance, indicating their capability to manage feeding without aid. Therefore, the selection of the client who drools but swallows solids aligns well with the practical nurse’s scope of practice and the

The assignment of clients in a long-term care facility should be approached by considering the level of assistance required and the competencies of the practical nurse. In this scenario, the correct choice is the client who drools but swallows solids.

This client has a specific need that suggests the ability to manage their own ingestion to some degree, making them suitable for a practical nurse's care. Practical nurses are trained to assist with feeding and can provide support in monitoring swallowing and ensuring that the client can safely consume food without the risk of aspiration. The drooling indicates some level of difficulty, yet it does not necessitate total assistance or specialized skills beyond the practical nurse’s training. Thus, this assignment allows for effective care while ensuring that the client’s independence in feeding is promoted as much as possible.

Other options involve more complex needs: the client requiring total assistance needs comprehensive support that would be more appropriately delegated to a registered nurse. The client with difficulty speaking may require specialized communication support, and the client preferring to eat independently suggests a preference that might not align with the need for assistance, indicating their capability to manage feeding without aid. Therefore, the selection of the client who drools but swallows solids aligns well with the practical nurse’s scope of practice and the