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NCLEX · Basic Care and Comfort

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

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

High Fowler's position (sitting upright at 90 degrees) with the chin slightly tucked toward the chest — and remaining upright for 30-60 minutes after eating

  1. A Side-lying
  2. B High Fowler's position (sitting upright at 90 degrees) with the chin slightly tucked toward the chest — and remaining upright for 30-60 minutes after eating
  3. C Trendelenburg (head down)
  4. D Lying flat (supine)

Why this is the answer

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.

Source: NCLEX-PN Physiological — Basic Care, Dysphagia Aspiration Prevention

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About this topic: Basic Care and Comfort

Basic care and comfort questions cover hygiene, mobility and positioning, nutrition and hydration, elimination, sleep, and non-pharmacological comfort measures — the daily care an LPN/LVN provides. This is one of 16 PN: Physiological Integrity questions on basic care and comfort, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our NCLEX exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

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