A nurse is preparing to administer several medications via an NG tube to a client who is receiving a continuous tube feeding. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

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. Social worker:

While social workers play a crucial role in addressing various aspects of a patient's well-being, such as psychosocial needs and support systems, they may not be the primary healthcare team member to address the specific issue of a client with severe rheumatoid arthritis being unable to feed herself.

B. Physician assistant:

Physician assistants are medical professionals who work under the supervision of a physician. While they contribute to the overall care of the patient, they may not be the primary specialist for addressing the functional limitations and specific needs associated with severe rheumatoid arthritis.

C. Physical therapist:

Physical therapists primarily focus on physical rehabilitation, movement, and mobility. While they may be involved in the overall care plan for a patient with rheumatoid arthritis, the specific issue of hand function and activities of daily living, such as feeding, is more directly addressed by occupational therapists.

D. Occupational therapist:

The correct choice. Occupational therapists specialize in helping individuals regain or improve their ability to perform daily activities, such as feeding, dressing, and grooming. In the case of severe rheumatoid arthritis affecting the hands, an occupational therapist can work with the client to develop strategies, adaptive equipment, and exercises to enhance hand function and promote independence in activities of daily living.