What finding should a nurse report to a healthcare provider indicating that a client with dysphagia needs further nutritional support?

A decrease in overall weight is a significant indicator that a client with dysphagia requires further nutritional support. Weight loss can suggest inadequate calorie intake or malnutrition, which is especially concerning in individuals with swallowing difficulties. These clients may struggle to consume enough calories or may not be able to safely swallow the foods and liquids necessary to meet their nutritional needs.

Monitoring weight is crucial in this population, as even small changes can reflect larger issues with dietary intake or absorption. If a patient is experiencing weight loss, it emphasizes the need for an evaluation of their current nutritional strategy and possibly intervention, such as dietary modifications, feeding assistance, or nutritional supplementation.