The nurse is caring for a patient with Huntington disease who has been admitted to the hospital for treatment of malnutrition. What independent nursing action should be implemented in the patients plan of care?

(A) Firmly redirect the patients head when feeding. (B) Administer phenothiazines after each meal as ordered. (C) Encourage the patient to keep his or her feeding area clean. (D) Apply deep, gentle pressure around the patients mouth to aid swallowing.Answer Explanation: Nursing interventions for a patient who has inadequate nutritional intake should include the following: Apply deep gentle pressure around the patients mouth to assist with swallowing, and administer phenothiazines prior to the patients meal as ordered. The nurse should disregard the mess of the feeding area and treat the person with dignity. Stiffness and turning away by the patient during feeding are uncontrollable choreiform movements and should not be interrupted.