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?

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.

Choice A Reason:

A client whose injection site is scabbed is incorrect. Scabbing at the injection site does not provide information about the presence or absence of induration. It doesn't contribute to interpreting the test result directly.

Choice B Reason:

A client whose injection site is firm and measures 3 mm (0.1 in) is incorrect. A measurement of 3 mm of induration is generally considered a negative result for most individuals, including those without any risk factors for tuberculosis (TB).

Choice C Reason:

A client whose injection site has an elevated area measuring 15 mm (0.6 is correct. An area of induration measuring 15 mm or more is considered positive in individuals with no known risk factors for TB.

Choice D Reason:

A client whose injection site is ecchymotic is incorrect. Ecchymosis (bruising) at the injection site is not relevant to the interpretation of the tuberculin skin test. It does not contribute to determining a positive or negative result.