What should a nursing assistant assess before placing a client’s dentures?

Before placing a client's dentures, it is essential to assess their swallowing ability. This is a critical factor because if a client has difficulty swallowing, it can lead to choking hazards or aspiration when they start eating or drinking post denture placement. Ensuring that the client can swallow properly is vital for their safety and comfort.

While assessing the fit of the dentures, presence of a dental infection, and ability to chew food are important considerations, they are secondary to confirming the client's swallowing ability. Proper swallowing ability ensures that once the dentures are in place, the individual can eat and drink without complications, making it a priority in the process of denture application.