What is a sign that a client may be having trouble swallowing?

Excessive coughing while eating is a significant indicator that a client may be having trouble swallowing, also known as dysphagia. When someone coughs frequently during meals, it can signal that food or liquid is entering the airway instead of going down the esophagus correctly. This can lead to choking or aspiration, which can be serious health risks.

When a client coughs excessively while eating, it suggests that they may not be able to control the swallowing process adequately, indicating a need for further assessment and possible intervention by healthcare professionals. Identifying this symptom is crucial for ensuring the client's safety during meal times and maintaining their overall health.

The other options, while they may reflect different behaviors or states during meals, do not specifically point to swallowing difficulties. For instance, laughing during meals may indicate a relaxed social atmosphere and does not imply any physical issue with swallowing. Eating very slowly could simply be a personal eating habit and does not necessarily correlate with problems in swallowing. Complaining of hunger is unrelated to swallowing difficulties and instead reflects the client’s nutritional needs or preferences.