The nurse should offer a client who has had throat surgery which of th

The nurse should offer a client who has had throat surgery which of the following?

1. Chicken noodle soup
2. Ginger ale
3. Oatmeal
4. Hot tea with lemon

ANSWER

ANS: 2
The client who has had throat surgery should first be offered clear liquids. If the client tolerates clear liquids, then he or she may be advanced to a full liquid diet, and then to a mechanical soft diet. Because the client had throat surgery, excoriating liquids such as citrus juices should be avoided. Also, to be able to assess for bleeding, red or dark liquids should be avoided (e.g., apple juice or ginger ale is recommended rather than grape or cranberry juice). The client should begin oral intake with clear liquids. Neither chicken noodle soup nor oatmeal is included on a clear liq-uid diet. Hot tea with lemon would not be recommended. Liquids should not be hot or contain citrus, which could cause pain or excoriation and possible bleeding at the surgical site.