Which of these actions should be taken first if a client shows immediate signs of distress during feeding?

When a client shows immediate signs of distress during feeding, promptly stopping the feeding and notifying the nurse is the most appropriate action. This response prioritizes the safety and well-being of the client.

Stopping the feeding allows for immediate assessment and intervention, minimizing the risk of aspiration or choking. It is crucial to ensure the client is in a safe state and that any potential issues are addressed swiftly. Notifying the nurse ensures that a trained healthcare professional is alerted to the situation, enabling appropriate medical evaluation and care.

While calming the client, checking feeding equipment, and adjusting the patient's position may be beneficial, they are secondary to ensuring the client is no longer in a potentially harmful situation. If the feeding continues while the client is in distress, it could exacerbate their condition. Therefore, halting the feeding and seeking help is the first step in providing appropriate care.