A charge nurse is assessing the room of a newly admitted client who has dysphagia. Which of the following pieces of equipment should the nurse ensure is available in the client's room?

Choice A Reason:
The client has four new medications is incorrect. While the addition of new medications may require monitoring and adjustment, it does not directly indicate a need for occupational therapy. Medication management is typically addressed by the healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Choice B Reason:
The client has extreme difficulty swallowing is incorrect. This finding suggests dysphagia, which may require intervention from a speech-language pathologist rather than an occupational therapist. Speech-language pathologists specialize in assessing and treating swallowing difficulties.
Choice C Reason:
The client is experiencing dysarthria is incorrect. Dysarthria refers to difficulty in speaking due to weakness or poor coordination of the muscles used for speech. While it may affect communication and daily activities, it is primarily addressed through speech therapy rather than occupational therapy.
Choice D Reason:
The client requires assistance getting dressed is correct. Difficulty with activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, and grooming, is within the scope of occupational therapy. Occupational therapists help clients regain independence in activities of daily living through interventions aimed at improving fine motor skills, coordination, and adaptive strategies. Referring the client to an occupational therapist can help address their dressing needs and promote independence in self-care activities.

Choice A Reason:
The patient should be elevated 45-90° before inserting a nasogastric tube helps prevent aspiration and facilitates tube insertion.
Choice B Reason:
Assisting the client into a fetal position on his side in preparation for a lumbar puncture is a proper positioning technique to facilitate the procedure and minimize discomfort for the client.
Choice C Reason:
Assessing the client's gag reflex following an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is standard practice to ensure the client's safety and ability to protect their airway after the procedure.
Choice D Reason:
Maintains the chest tube collection device below the level of the insertion site when ambulating the client is correct. Chest tube management is critical to prevent complications such as air leaks, tension pneumothorax, and tube dislodgement. When ambulating a client with a chest tube, it's essential to keep the collection device below the level of the insertion site to ensure proper drainage and prevent air from entering the pleural space. If the collection device is positioned above the insertion site, it could result in fluid or air backflow into the patient's chest cavity, which can lead to complications.