Final answer:
The most appropriate action for the nurse to take in this scenario is to consult with the provider and request a swallowing study.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most appropriate action for the nurse to take in this scenario is to consult with the provider and request a swallowing study. This is because stroke patients often experience difficulty swallowing, a condition known as dysphagia, which puts them at risk for aspiration pneumonia and other complications. A swallowing study, also known as a videofluoroscopic swallowing study or a modified barium swallow, is a diagnostic test that assesses the patient's ability to swallow safely and helps determine the appropriate diet and interventions.