A community health nurse is teaching a group of clients about available resources to assist with recovery following a stroke. Which of the following resources should the nurse recommend for clients who are experiencing dysphagia?

A. Help clients gather needed supplies.

Incorrect: While helping clients gather supplies is important, addressing their physical needs, including providing these supplies directly, takes precedence. The focus should be on immediate assistance rather than guiding them to gather resources on their own.

B. Address the physical needs of clients.

Correct: This is the priority action because ensuring individuals have access to essential resources like food, water, shelter, and medical care is crucial for their immediate well-being and safety.

C. Explore feelings the clients are experiencing.

Incorrect: Emotional support is essential, but it becomes a priority after addressing the immediate physical needs. Exploring feelings and providing psychological support are crucial aspects of disaster response but are secondary to ensuring physical well-being.

D. Create diversionary activities for children.

Incorrect: While creating activities for children is important for their well-being, it is a lower priority than addressing their immediate physical needs. Once the basic necessities are met, diversionary activities can contribute to the emotional well-being of the affected individuals.

A. Speech-language pathologist

Dysphagia, difficulty swallowing, is a concern that often requires the expertise of a speech-language pathologist. Speech-language pathologists specialize in assessing and treating communication and swallowing disorders. They can work with individuals who have had a stroke to improve their swallowing function and reduce the risk of aspiration.

B. Physical therapist

Physical therapists primarily focus on improving mobility, strength, and function. While physical therapists play a crucial role in stroke recovery, they may not be the primary resource for addressing dysphagia.

C. Restorative aide

Restorative aides are often involved in assisting with exercises and activities that aim to restore functional abilities. However, they may not have the specialized training needed for managing dysphagia.

D. Occupational therapist

Occupational therapists focus on helping individuals regain skills needed for daily living activities. While they may be involved in aspects of stroke recovery, addressing dysphagia typically falls within the scope of a speech-language pathologist's expertise.