A nurse is assessing a client who has risk factors for developing heart disease. Which of the following factors does the nurse recognize as a modifiable risk factor?

A. "I will weigh myself once weekly."Clients with heart failure should weigh themselves daily to monitor for fluid retention. A sudden weight gain (e.g., 2-3 lbs in 24 hours or 5 lbs in a week) may indicate worsening heart failure and should be reported to the provider.

B. "I will take my new medication in the evening."Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that increases urine output. Taking it in the evening can lead to nocturia and sleep disturbances. Instead, it should be taken in the morning to minimize nighttime urination.

C. "I will take a hot bath before going to bed."Hot baths can cause vasodilation, leading to a drop in blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension), which increases the risk of dizziness and falls, especially in older adults taking diuretics. A warm (not hot) bath is safer.

D. "I will leave a light on in my bathroom at night."Older adults, especially those taking diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide, are at increased risk for nocturia and falls due to frequent trips to the bathroom. Keeping a light on in the bathroom at night enhances visibility and reduces the risk of falls, which is a major concern in this population.

A. Occupational therapist: While occupational therapists may be involved in the client's care post-stroke to address functional abilities and activities of daily living, including feeding and meal preparation, they are not specifically trained to assess and treat swallowing disorders like a speech-language pathologist.

B. Physical therapist: Physical therapists focus on improving mobility, strength, balance, and coordination. While they play a crucial role in stroke rehabilitation, particularly in addressing gait and motor deficits, they are not typically involved in the assessment and treatment of swallowing disorders.

C. Social worker: Social workers provide support and resources to clients and their families to address psychosocial and practical concerns related to illness, disability, and rehabilitation. While they may be involved in the client's care for broader support needs, they are not specifically trained to address swallowing disorders like a speech-language pathologist.

D. Speech-language pathologist

A speech-language pathologist specializes in evaluating and treating communication and swallowing disorders. In this scenario, the client's coughing during swallowing indicates a potential swallowing disorder, known as dysphagia, which is common after a stroke. The speech-language pathologist is trained to assess the client's swallowing function, identify any impairments, and develop a treatment plan to improve swallowing safety and efficiency. They may recommend strategies and exercises to address the client's coughing and prevent complications such as aspiration pneumonia.