A nurse is caring for a client who has dysphagia. When assisting the client during breakfast, which of the following actions by the client indicates the nurse should intervene?

A. Occupational therapist:

While occupational therapists play a valuable role in stroke rehabilitation, they typically focus on activities of daily living (ADLs), upper extremity function, and adaptive strategies. In the context of frequent coughing during swallowing, the expertise of an SLP is more directly relevant to address potential dysphagia.

B. Physical therapist:

Physical therapists primarily focus on mobility, strength, and balance. While they may be involved in stroke rehabilitation, the issue of coughing during swallowing is more aligned with the scope of practice of a speech-language pathologist.

C. Speech-language pathologist:

This is the correct answer. A speech-language pathologist (SLP) specializes in assessing and treating communication and swallowing disorders. In this case, the client is experiencing coughing when swallowing, indicating a potential swallowing (dysphagia) issue. The SLP can conduct a thorough evaluation of the client's swallowing function and recommend appropriate interventions, such as swallowing exercises or modified diets, to address the coughing and improve safe swallowing.

D. Social worker:

Social workers provide support for psychosocial and community-related issues. While they are crucial members of the interdisciplinary team, they may not have the specific expertise needed to address the swallowing difficulties experienced by the client after a stroke

A. The nurse's empathy about the client having to self-inject:

While empathy is important for building a therapeutic relationship, the client's motivation to learn is more likely to be influenced by factors directly related to their own needs and perceived benefits.

B. The client seeking family approval by agreeing to a teaching plan:

External factors, such as seeking family approval, may influence a client's willingness to participate in a teaching plan, but they might not be as effective in sustaining motivation over the long term. Intrinsic motivation tends to be more enduring and impactful.

C. The nurse explaining the need for education to the client:

While explaining the need for education is important, the client's motivation may be more influenced by their personal beliefs about the benefits of learning and meeting their own needs rather than an external explanation.

D. The client's belief that his needs will be met through education:

This statement reflects the client's intrinsic motivation, where the client perceives that learning to self-administer daily low-dose heparin injections will meet his needs. Intrinsic motivation is a powerful driver for learning because it comes from within the individual.