A nurse is conducting an occupational risk assessment on a client. The client works as an insulation installer. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask the client?

A. Change the client's position every 2 hr: Repositioning helps prevent skin breakdown and promotes circulation, which is important for stroke clients. However, it does not address the most immediate risk associated with right-sided weakness and facial drooping.

B. Place the client's right hand in a supination position: Proper positioning of the affected extremities prevents contractures and maintains joint alignment. While necessary for long-term care, it is not the highest priority in the immediate post-stroke period.

C. Maintain NPO status for the client: Right-sided weakness and facial drooping indicate potential dysphagia, placing the client at high risk for aspiration. Maintaining NPO status until a swallowing assessment is completed is the priority to prevent aspiration pneumonia, which is a life-threatening complication.

D. Perform range-of-motion exercises to the client's extremities: Range-of-motion exercises prevent contractures and maintain mobility. While important, this intervention is secondary to ensuring the client’s airway safety and preventing aspiration.

A. Dietitian: While nutrition can play a role in overall health and inflammation management, a dietitian referral is not the primary intervention for rheumatoid arthritis. Dietary counseling may be considered adjunctively but is not central to preserving joint function.

B. Case manager: A case manager helps coordinate care and resources, which may be helpful for complex cases, but referral is not specifically targeted to managing the functional impairments associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

C. Podiatrist: A podiatrist is consulted if the client develops foot or ankle complications. Routine referral is not indicated unless specific joint issues are present in the lower extremities.

D. Physical therapist: Physical therapy is essential in rheumatoid arthritis care to maintain joint mobility, reduce pain, and prevent deformities. A physical therapist develops individualized exercise programs, educates on joint protection, and supports functional independence, making this referral highly appropriate.