A nurse is caring for a client who has dysphagia following a stroke. The nurse should recommend a referral to which of the following members of the interdisciplinary team?
Speech therapist
Respiratory therapist
Occupational therapist
Physical therapist
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Speech therapists, also known as speech-language pathologists, specialize in evaluating and treating swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) among other speech and language issues. They are trained to assess and provide therapies to improve swallowing function, ensuring safe and effective swallowing to prevent aspiration and related complications.
Choice B Reason:
Respiratory therapists primarily focus on the respiratory system and breathing issues. While they play a crucial role in managing respiratory problems, their expertise generally centers around respiratory treatments, ventilator management, and pulmonary function testing. They might assist if dysphagia leads to aspiration and subsequent respiratory complications, but the primary management of dysphagia itself falls within the scope of a speech therapist.
Choice C Reason:
Occupational therapists assist individuals in regaining independence in daily activities. While they may help with certain aspects of dysphagia management, their primary focus isn't specifically on evaluating and treating swallowing disorders. They might address related issues, such as adapting eating utensils or positioning during meals to assist the client, but they may not have the specialized training needed for direct dysphagia therapy.
Choice D Reason:
Physical therapists primarily focus on improving mobility, strength, and physical function. While they might address certain issues related to oral motor function or posture during eating that could affect swallowing, their expertise lies more in physical rehabilitation rather than the specialized treatment of dysphagia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Positive Trousseau's sign is incorrect. Trousseau's sign is associated more with calcium imbalances, particularly hypocalcemia, and is assessed by inflating a blood pressure cuff on the arm to induce carpal spasm. It's not a specific indicator of metabolic acidosis related to high glucose levels in diabetes mellitus.
Choice B Reason:
Dizziness upon standing is incorrect. Dizziness upon standing, also known as orthostatic hypotension, is more commonly associated with blood pressure changes upon position changes. While it can occur in various conditions, it's not a specific indicator of metabolic acidosis in this context.
Choice C Reason:
Tingling of the fingers is incorrect. Tingling sensations, known as paresthesia, can occur due to various reasons, including nerve damage related to chronic high blood sugar levels in diabetes (diabetic neuropathy). However, it's not a direct and specific indicator of metabolic acidosis caused by high glucose levels in diabetes mellitus.
Choice D Reason:
Increased respiratory rate is correct. Metabolic acidosis in a diabetic individual can trigger compensatory mechanisms, such as increased respiratory rate (Kussmaul respirations), as the body tries to eliminate excess acids through respiration to help regulate the acid-base balance. This increased respiratory rate is an attempt to blow off carbon dioxide (a potential acidic byproduct) and decrease the acidity in the blood.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Administering a prescribed oral dose of trazodone to the client is correct. Trazodone is sometimes used to manage agitation in patients with Alzheimer's disease, as it has calming effects and can help reduce agitation and anxiety. However, the use of any medication should be based on the client's individualized treatment plan and prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Choice B Reason:
Encouraging ambulation might not be suitable if the client is agitated, as it could potentially escalate the situation or increase the risk of falls or injury. Safety should be a priority, and ambulation might not be advisable during a state of agitation.
Choice C Reason:
Isolating the client in their room is incorrect. Isolating the client might increase feelings of confusion, fear, or distress, potentially worsening the agitation. It's important to engage and support the client rather than isolate them, which can be distressing for someone with Alzheimer's disease.
Choice D Reason:
Applying bilateral wrist restraints to the client is incorrect. The use of restraints should only be considered as a last resort when all other measures have failed and when there's an immediate risk of harm to the client or others. Restraints can be physically and psychologically harmful, leading to increased agitation, anxiety, and potential injury. They should be used only under strict guidelines and with proper authorization when all other interventions have been exhausted.
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