A nurse is planning mealtime support for a patient with Parkinson's. Which approach is inappropriate?

• A. Provide a calm, distraction-free environment
• B. Expect the patient to finish quickly
• C. Serve foods that are easy to chew and swallow
• D. Allow extra time for meals with rest breaks

Answer: (B)

Mealtime support for someone with Parkinson’s should acknowledge slower movements, tremor, and fatigue that affect eating. The main idea is to create an environment and plan that reduce barriers to safe, effective feeding rather than rushing the patient.

Rushing to finish quickly is inappropriate because Parkinson’s commonly slows chewing and swallowing and reduces endurance. Pressuring a patient to eat faster can lead to unsafe swallowing, higher risk of choking or aspiration, incomplete intake, and frustration. By contrast, a calm, distraction-free setting helps concentration and coordination during meals; serving foods that are easy to chew and swallow lowers the effort needed and the risk of choking; and allowing extra time with rest breaks accommodates fatigue and maintains safety and comfort during eating.