Final answer:
The nurse should order thickened liquids and soft foods for the female patient who chokes easily on water. This is to ensure the patient can swallow safely and reduce the risk of choking. Further evaluation for dysphagia might be necessary to determine the safest food and liquid consistencies for the patient.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse is dealing with a female patient who is experiencing changes in mental status and difficulty speaking. Upon assisting the patient with a drink of water, it's noted that she chokes easily. In such instances, it's critical to provide foods that are easier to swallow and less likely to cause choking. The nurse should consider ordering thickened liquids and soft foods that don’t require much chewing and are less likely to enter the airway.
For liquids, options include commercially prepared thickened beverages or drinks thickened with a starch-based agent to achieve a nectar-like or honey-like consistency, depending on the patient's requirements and swallowing capability. Foods recommended in this case might include mashed potatoes, pudding, apple sauce, and soft, well-cooked vegetables. These selections provide nutrition without posing a significant choking hazard.
It is also essential for the healthcare team to assess the possibility of dysphagia, which is a term for swallowing difficulties. If the patient is suspected to have dysphagia, a more thorough evaluation, potentially including a swallow study, may be necessary to determine the precise consistency of food and liquids that are safe for the patient to consume. In some cases, consultation with a speech therapist or dietitian may also help in managing the patient's nutritional needs while minimizing the risk of aspiration, which can lead to pneumonia or other complications.