The patient is admitted with a diagnosis of stroke.The nurse attempts to feed the patient,but the patient coughs and gags when food is placed in his mouth.What should the nurse do to assist this patient?

A) Feed the patient more slowly.
B) Feed the patient more quickly.
C) Contact the speech pathology department.
D) Ignore the cough and try again later.

If the patient coughs,gags,complains of food "stuck in the throat," or has pockets of food in the mouth,the patient may require a swallowing evaluation by a licensed speech pathologist or by videofluoroscopy.Consider consultation with a speech therapist for swallowing exercises and techniques to improve swallowing and reduce risk for aspiration.Notify the physician of any symptoms that occurred during the meal and which foods caused the symptoms.