A nurse is replacing a dressing for a client who has an abdominal incision with a closed wound drain. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A Reason:

Questioning the client about allergies before the procedure is appropriate. It is essential to assess the client for any allergies, especially to contrast dye, before the procedure. Allergic reactions to contrast dye can range from mild to severe, and prompt identification of potential allergies is crucial to prevent adverse reactions. If the client has a known allergy to the contrast dye, alternative imaging methods or pre-medication may be considered.

Choice B Reason:

Telling the client to increase fluid intake following the procedure is inappropriate. This instruction is relevant post-procedure for the elimination of the contrast dye from the body. However, it is not the priority at this moment, and the client's safety during the procedure takes precedence.

Choice C Reason:

Evaluating the client for claustrophobia is inappropriate. Assessing for claustrophobia is important, especially if the CT scan involves an enclosed space. However, this assessment can typically be conducted in advance of the procedure during the pre-procedure preparations.

Choice D Reason:

Informing the client about the steps of the procedure is inappropriate. Providing information about the procedure is important for the client's understanding and cooperation. However, ensuring the client's safety during the procedure by assessing for potential allergies to the contrast dye comes first.

Choice Reason:
Occupational Therapist is incorrect. Occupational therapists focus on helping individuals regain or enhance their ability to perform daily activities and tasks. While they might not directly address dysphagia or swallowing concerns, they could assist in modifying the environment or providing adaptive equipment to facilitate eating, such as recommending specialized utensils or adapting seating positions to support safe eating practices.

Choice B Reason:
Physical Therapist is incorrect. Physical therapists primarily concentrate on restoring mobility, strength, and function in individuals who have experienced injuries or illnesses affecting movement. While they might not directly address dysphagia, they could be involved in helping patients with postural adjustments or exercises that indirectly support safe eating and swallowing.

Choice C Reason:
Respiratory Therapist is incorrect. Respiratory therapists specialize in assessing and treating breathing problems and disorders related to the lungs and respiratory system. While they may not focus directly on dysphagia, they can be involved in managing respiratory complications that can arise from aspiration, such as pneumonia. They might assist in suctioning, breathing exercises, or respiratory treatments in cases where aspiration has led to lung issues.

Choice D Reason:
Speech therapists, also known as speech-language pathologists, is correct because it specializes in evaluating and treating communication and swallowing disorders. They work with individuals who have experienced strokes or other conditions affecting swallowing abilities to improve their swallowing function and reduce the risk of aspiration (when food or liquid enters the airway instead of the digestive tract).