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 C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Instructing the client to tilt their head back to facilitate swallowing is not appropriate. Tilting the head back can increase the risk of aspiration (food or liquid entering the airway) for individuals with dysphagia. Instead, the client should maintain an upright position while eating.
Choice B Reason:
Encouraging the client to use a straw is inappropriate. Using a straw might increase the risk of aspiration because it can bypass the control mechanisms involved in safe swallowing, especially for someone with swallowing difficulties.
Choice C Reason:
Providing oral care before meals is correct. Providing oral care before meals helps to ensure that the client's mouth is clean, reducing the risk of infections and improving taste perception, which can enhance the client's willingness and ability to eat.
Choice D Reason:
Schedule physical therapy directly before meals is incorrect. Scheduling physical therapy directly before meals might tire the client and impact their ability to eat. Fatigue can negatively affect swallowing ability, so it's generally better to allow some rest or recovery time before meals.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Leave the television on in the client's room is incorrect. Leaving the television on doesn't directly address the safety concern of falls. While it might provide some distraction or comfort, it doesn't mitigate the risk of the client attempting to leave the bed unsafely.
Choice B Reason:
Raise all four side rails while the client is in bed is incorrect. Using all four side rails can be considered a form of restraint and is generally not recommended due to the risk of entrapment and potential psychological distress for the client. It can also increase the risk of agitation and attempts to climb over the rails, potentially resulting in falls.
Choice C Reason:
Move the overbed table away from the bed is incorrect. Moving the overbed table might reduce clutter around the bed area, but it doesn't directly address the risk of falls for a client with dementia. It's more about optimizing the environment than specifically addressing the safety concern related to the client's condition.
Choice D Reason:
Apply a motion sensor mat to the client's bed is correct. For an older adult with dementia at risk for falls, a motion sensor mat can be an effective safety measure. It alerts the staff when the client attempts to get out of bed, allowing for timely intervention to prevent falls. This helps the nursing staff respond promptly, ensuring the client's safety.
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