A home health nurse is assessing the home environment of an older adult client who has osteoporosis. For which of the following findings should the nurse intervene?

A. The hot water heater is set to 47° C (117° F).This temperature is within a safe range to prevent burns while ensuring adequate hot water for hygiene.

B. Grab bars are installed in the shower.Grab bars provide support and help prevent falls in older adults, especially those with osteoporosis who are at higher risk for fractures.

C. There is an area rug covering a tile floor.Area rugs are a significant tripping hazard, especially for older adults with osteoporosis, as a fall could lead to fractures. The nurse should intervene to recommend removing or securing the rug to reduce the risk of falls.

D. Prescriptions are stored in a medication organizer.A medication organizer helps older adults manage their medications effectively and reduces the risk of missed or incorrect doses.

A. Occupational therapist:

While occupational therapists play a valuable role in stroke rehabilitation, they typically focus on activities of daily living (ADLs), upper extremity function, and adaptive strategies. In the context of frequent coughing during swallowing, the expertise of an SLP is more directly relevant to address potential dysphagia.

B. Physical therapist:

Physical therapists primarily focus on mobility, strength, and balance. While they may be involved in stroke rehabilitation, the issue of coughing during swallowing is more aligned with the scope of practice of a speech-language pathologist.

C. Speech-language pathologist:

This is the correct answer. A speech-language pathologist (SLP) specializes in assessing and treating communication and swallowing disorders. In this case, the client is experiencing coughing when swallowing, indicating a potential swallowing (dysphagia) issue. The SLP can conduct a thorough evaluation of the client's swallowing function and recommend appropriate interventions, such as swallowing exercises or modified diets, to address the coughing and improve safe swallowing.

D. Social worker:

Social workers provide support for psychosocial and community-related issues. While they are crucial members of the interdisciplinary team, they may not have the specific expertise needed to address the swallowing difficulties experienced by the client after a stroke