A nurse in a long-term care facility is managing the care of an older adult client who has difficulty swallowing and occasional choking during meals. The nurse should initiate a referral to which of the following members of the interprofessional care team?
Speech-language pathologist
Social worker
Respiratory therapist
Occupational therapist
The Correct Answer is A
A. Speech-language pathologist: Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) specialize in evaluating and treating swallowing disorders (dysphagia). They can assess the client’s swallowing ability, recommend appropriate diet modifications, and provide strategies to reduce choking risk.
B. Social worker: Social workers provide support for psychosocial needs, discharge planning, and community resources, but they do not assess or manage swallowing difficulties. Referral to a social worker may be appropriate for broader care needs but not for dysphagia.
C. Respiratory therapist: Respiratory therapists focus on airway management, ventilation, and pulmonary function. While they can assist if aspiration leads to respiratory complications, they do not primarily assess swallowing function.
D. Occupational therapist: Occupational therapists help clients with activities of daily living and adaptive equipment. Although they may assist with feeding techniques or positioning, they are not specialized in assessing or treating swallowing disorders.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Position the child at a 10° to 20° angle after feeding: This angle is too low to effectively reduce the risk of aspiration. The child should remain in at least a 30° to 45° upright position during and after feeding for optimal safety.
B. Measure the tubing from the nose to the distal port: Correct placement measurement involves determining the appropriate tube length from the tip of the nose to the earlobe and then to the xiphoid process. Measuring to the distal port ensures accurate placement for safe feeding.
C. Warm the formula in the microwave: Microwaving can create uneven heating and hot spots that may burn the gastrointestinal mucosa. Formula should be warmed by placing the container in warm water and checking the temperature before administration.
D. Complete the feeding in 5 min: Rapid feeding increases the risk of nausea, vomiting, and aspiration. Feedings should be administered slowly over the recommended time frame to allow for tolerance and digestion.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Allow the client's partner to translate: Family members should not serve as interpreters due to concerns about accuracy, confidentiality, and potential bias in sensitive health information.
B. Ask a nursing student who speaks the same language as the client to translate: Using untrained personnel, including students, is discouraged because they may lack professional interpreting skills and could miscommunicate critical health information.
C. Have the client's child translate: Children are not appropriate interpreters due to their limited language skills, emotional immaturity, and potential to misinterpret medical information.
D. Request a female interpreter through the facility: A professional medical interpreter ensures accurate, confidential communication, respects cultural and gender preferences, and is the safest approach for gathering admission data, particularly regarding sensitive postpartum issues.
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