A nurse is teaching a group of newly licensed nurses about the Braden scale. Which of the following responses by a newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the teaching?

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. Schedule a support session for the client.While providing emotional support is important, it is not the immediate priority. The client needs to understand how to communicate effectively after the laryngectomy.

B. Review the use of an artificial larynx with the client.This intervention is the priority because the client will need to know how to use an artificial larynx to facilitate communication after losing their natural voice. This understanding is critical for the client’s post-operative adjustment and ability to express themselves.

C. Explain the techniques of esophageal speech.Although teaching esophageal speech is important, the use of an artificial larynx may be more immediately relevant and easier for the client to learn and use right after surgery.

D. Determine the client's reading ability.This may be relevant for assessing the client's ability to understand written instructions, but it is not as directly related to their immediate post-operative needs for communication.