Final Answer:
The nurse should choose repeat the screening.Thus option c is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient fails the Barnes-Jewish Hospital dysphagia screen, it is crucial to proceed cautiously and gather more information before taking any further steps. Administering medication (option a) or notifying the physician (option b) without reevaluating the patient's condition may lead to unnecessary interventions. Dysphagia screening is a dynamic process, and initial failure doesn't necessarily confirm the presence of a swallowing disorder. Therefore, the most appropriate course of action is to repeat the screening (option c) to ensure accurate and reliable results.
Repeat screening allows the nurse to assess whether the initial failure was an isolated incident or a consistent issue. It also provides an opportunity to observe any changes in the patient's swallowing ability over time. This step is essential for making informed decisions about the patient's care plan. It ensures that interventions, such as medication or physician notification, are based on a comprehensive understanding of the patient's dysphagia status, reducing the risk of unnecessary treatments or delays in appropriate care.
In clinical practice, the Barnes-Jewish Hospital dysphagia screen is designed to be a sensitive tool for identifying potential swallowing difficulties. However, it is not infallible, and false positives can occur. Repeating the screening helps mitigate the impact of false positives, offering a more accurate assessment of the patient's swallowing function. This approach aligns with evidence-based practice, emphasizing a systematic and iterative approach to patient care.The nurse should choose repeat the screening.Thus option c is the correct answer.