Fundamentals Question #37
Question
What intervention should the nurse question for a patient whose gag reflex has not yet returned after surgery?
Answers
- Pureed diet after the gag reflex has returned
- Rationale:
- Order a swallowing study if the gag reflex does not return
- Rationale:
- Orders to resume a regular diet
- Rationale:
- Maintain NPO status until the gag reflex has returned
- Rationale:
Overview
Explanation
The correct answer is C. The patient should not receive anything by mouth until the gag reflex has returned. The patient can be started on a pureed diet after the gag reflex has returned. It is normal to order a swallowing study when a patient cannot swallow properly or the gag reflex is absent. It is appropriate to maintain NPO status until the gag reflex returns.
Learning Outcomes
Test Taking Tip