159k views
4 votes
James Franklin has experienced a right-sided stroke. During your assessment, you note that he has a drooping of the left side of his face. Food and liquids are withheld for 24-48 hours while a determination can be made as to the patient's swallowing ability. Why is this a concern?

User DelGurth
by
8.9k points

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

James Franklin has experienced a right-sided stroke, food and liquids are withheld for 24-48 hours while a determination can be made as to the patient's swallowing ability to prevent aspiration, this allows healthcare professionals to determine if he can safely swallow without the risk of pneumonia or choking.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a person experiences a stroke, it can lead to various impairments depending on the location of the brain damage. In the case of James Franklin, who has experienced a right-sided stroke, the drooping of the left side of his face indicates weakness or paralysis of the muscles on that side. This is known as facial droop or facial palsy. One of the potential consequences of a stroke is difficulty swallowing, which is known as dysphagia.

Food and liquids are withheld for 24-48 hours in order to assess the patient's swallowing ability. This is done to prevent aspiration, which is when food or liquid enters the airway instead of going into the stomach. Aspiration can lead to pneumonia or choking, both of which are serious complications.

By withholding food and liquids, healthcare professionals can determine if the patient can safely swallow without the risk of aspiration. Once the patient's swallowing ability is assessed, appropriate actions can be taken to ensure their safety and provide them with the necessary nutrition and hydration.

So therefore food and liquids are withheld for 24-48 hours to assess James Franklin's swallowing ability after his right-sided stroke to prevent aspiration. This allows healthcare professionals to determine if he can safely swallow without the risk of pneumonia or choking.

User Prasadmadanayake
by
7.6k points
Welcome to QAmmunity.org, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of our community.