A client with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) following a stroke is at risk for aspiration. Which feeding position is safest?

DYSPHAGIA ASPIRATION PREVENTION: POSITIONING: High Fowler's (90 degrees upright) during meals; CHIN TUCK: Slightly tucking the chin toward the chest narrows the airway entrance and directs food toward the esophagus — reduces aspiration; REMAIN UPRIGHT: 30-60 minutes after eating prevents reflux and aspiration; ADDITIONAL MEASURES: Thickened liquids (per speech therapy/swallow evaluation — thin liquids are most easily aspirated); small bites; alternate solids and liquids; have suction available; feed slowly; assess for pocketing food in cheeks; ASPIRATION SIGNS: Coughing during/after eating, wet/gurgly voice, throat clearing, watery eyes; ASPIRATION PNEUMONIA RISK: Aspiration of food/fluid into lungs causes pneumonia — a leading cause of post-stroke death; SPEECH THERAPY: Conducts formal swallow evaluation and determines diet texture; LPN follows the established swallowing precautions.