What action should a nurse take if a client is at risk for dysphagia after a medical procedure?

Withholding food and fluids is the appropriate action when a client is at risk for dysphagia following a medical procedure. Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, can pose serious risks, such as aspiration, where food or fluid could enter the airway, leading to choking or aspiration pneumonia. When a client is assessed to be at risk—perhaps due to swelling, impaired gag reflex, or sedation—a nurse should prioritize their safety by not introducing anything by mouth until a thorough assessment can be completed.

This approach allows for careful monitoring and ensures that the client's ability to swallow is properly evaluated before resuming oral intake, which is crucial in preventing further complications. Depending on the healthcare provider's assessment, alternative forms of nutrition and hydration might be considered once it is deemed safe. Other options suggest introducing food or fluids, which could endanger the client rather than protect them, making them inappropriate in this context.