Question

A nurse is planning care for a client who has vision loss. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care to assist the client with feedings?

Option 1: Assign a staff member to feed the client.
Option 2: Provide small-handle utensils for the client.
Option 3: Thicken liquids on the client's tray.
Option 4: Arrange food in a consistent pattern on the client's plate.

Answer 1

When planning care for a client with vision loss, arranging food in a consistent pattern on the plate and possibly assigning a staff member are effective interventions for assisting with feedings. Small-handle utensils can also provide some benefit. Thickening liquids is less relevant unless there are concurrent swallowing issues.

Step-by-step explanation:

To assist a client with vision loss during feedings, the following interventions might be included in the plan of care:

• Assigning a staff member to feed the client ensures they are getting proper nutrition and helps prevent any accidents or spills during mealtime.
• Providing small-handle utensils designed for individuals with dexterity issues, which may sometimes accompany vision loss, can offer the client more independence.
• Thickening liquids may be relevant if the client has swallowing issues, but it does not directly assist with vision loss. Therefore, thickening liquids is an intervention that might not be applicable in this scenario.
• Arranging food on a plate in a consistent pattern allows the client to memorize where different types of food are placed, aiding in self-feeding without sight.

Among these options, arranging food in a consistent pattern on the client's plate is the most directly related intervention to assist specifically with vision loss regarding feedings. However, assigning a staff member can also be beneficial in certain circumstances, while small-handle utensils may offer some indirect benefits. The third option may not be directly relevant unless the client also has swallowing problems.