For a client with unilateral paralysis and dysphagia after a right hemispheric stroke, where should food be placed?

For a client with unilateral paralysis and dysphagia following a right hemispheric stroke, food should be placed on the left side of the client's mouth when they are ready to eat. This approach is based on the understanding that after a stroke affecting the right hemisphere, patients may experience neglect or reduced awareness of the left side of their body due to difficulties in processing sensory information.

Placing food on the left side encourages the client to utilize their intact left side, which can help prompt better oral intake, enhance swallowing safety, and improve overall eating independence. It is important for the client to be aware of the food on the left side to engage in the eating process effectively.

In contrast, placing food on the right side would limit the client's ability to notice or reach for it, while blending food may make it easier to swallow but does not address the spatial neglect issue. Moreover, visual guidance from a plate can assist with orientation but does not specifically prompt the use of the left side for eating. Overall, placing food on the left side supports the client in overcoming the challenges presented by the stroke.