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:
Age 45 years is incorrect. While age is a significant factor in osteoporosis risk, 45 years old isn't inherently considered a high-risk age for developing osteoporosis. However, bone density tends to decrease gradually with age, and after menopause in women, there's a more significant decline due to hormonal changes.
Choice B Reason:
Regular aerobic exercise is incorrect. Regular exercise, particularly weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening activities, is typically beneficial for bone health. It can help maintain or improve bone density and strength, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Therefore, regular aerobic exercise is generally considered a protective factor against osteoporosis, rather than a risk factor.
Choice C Reason:
Uses NSAIDs for pain relief is incorrect. While long-term use of certain medications, such as glucocorticoids (steroids), can increase the risk of osteoporosis due to their impact on bone density, the use of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for pain relief isn't directly linked to osteoporosis as a significant risk factor. However, chronic use of certain medications might have implications for bone health and should be assessed on an individual basis.
Choice D Reason:
Smoking is a known risk factor for osteoporosis. It can have detrimental effects on bone health by interfering with the body's ability to absorb calcium, decreasing estrogen levels, and impairing bone-forming cells. Consequently, smokers have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis compared to non-smokers.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Bilirubin 1.0 mg/dL (0.3 to 1.0 mg/dL) is incorrect. Bilirubin levels within the normal range typically indicate normal liver function. The value of 1.0 mg/dL falls within the expected range, so it doesn't raise immediate concerns regarding the need for a liver biopsy.
Choice B Reason:
Aspartate aminotransferase 34 units/L (0 to 34 units/L) is incorrect. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme found in various tissues, including the liver, heart, muscles, and red blood cells. While a value of 34 units/L is at the upper limit of the normal range, it's still within the expected range and doesn't typically prompt immediate concern for the need for a biopsy.
Choice C Reason:
Ammonia 55 mcg/dL (10 to 80 mcg/dL ) is incorrect. Ammonia levels can rise in cases of liver dysfunction. The level of 55 mcg/dL falls within the reference range, indicating normal or near-normal ammonia levels, which doesn't usually necessitate an urgent liver biopsy.
Choice D Reason:
Platelets 60,000/mm3 (150,000 to 400,000/mm3) is correct. Platelets are crucial for blood clotting. A significantly low platelet count, such as 60,000/mm3, termed thrombocytopenia, can indicate compromised clotting ability, which might pose a risk of bleeding during or after a liver biopsy. In the context of a liver biopsy, a low platelet count warrants attention and consideration before proceeding with the procedure to prevent excessive bleeding or complications.
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