A nurse in a long-term care facility is managing the care of an older adult client who has difficulty swallowing and occasional choking during meals. The nurse should initiate a referral to which of the following members of the interprofessional care team?
Speech-language pathologist
Social worker
Respiratory therapist
Occupational therapist
The Correct Answer is A
A. Speech-language pathologist: Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) specialize in evaluating and treating swallowing disorders (dysphagia). They can assess the client’s swallowing ability, recommend appropriate diet modifications, and provide strategies to reduce choking risk.
B. Social worker: Social workers provide support for psychosocial needs, discharge planning, and community resources, but they do not assess or manage swallowing difficulties. Referral to a social worker may be appropriate for broader care needs but not for dysphagia.
C. Respiratory therapist: Respiratory therapists focus on airway management, ventilation, and pulmonary function. While they can assist if aspiration leads to respiratory complications, they do not primarily assess swallowing function.
D. Occupational therapist: Occupational therapists help clients with activities of daily living and adaptive equipment. Although they may assist with feeding techniques or positioning, they are not specialized in assessing or treating swallowing disorders.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "A living will is a document that includes my wishes about health care decisions.": A living will is an advance directive that specifies a client’s preferences for medical treatment in situations where they are unable to communicate.
B. "My partner needs to be present as a witness when I sign a living will.": Witness requirements vary by state, and typically a neutral adult, not necessarily a partner, must witness the signing.
C. "My provider will make my health care decisions if I complete advance directives.": Advance directives are intended to communicate the client’s own wishes, not delegate decision-making solely to the provider. The provider’s role is to follow the client’s documented preferences.
D. "Advance directives outline who inherits my material possessions in the event of my death.": Inheritance is addressed in a will, not advance directives. Advance directives focus exclusively on medical and end-of-life care decisions.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A client who has epidural analgesia and weakness in the lower extremities: Lower extremity weakness can be a side effect of epidural analgesia. While it requires monitoring, it is typically not immediately life-threatening unless accompanied by other neurological changes.
B. A client who has diabetes mellitus and an HbA1c of 7.2%: An HbA1c of 7.2% indicates slightly above-target blood glucose control. This is a chronic management concern and does not require immediate intervention.
C. A client who has sinus arrhythmia and is receiving cardiac monitoring: Sinus arrhythmia is often a benign, expected finding, particularly in children or young adults. Continuous monitoring is appropriate, but it is not an emergent concern.
D. A client who has a hip fracture and a new onset of tachypnea: New-onset tachypnea in a client with a hip fracture can indicate a serious complication such as pulmonary embolism or fat embolism syndrome. This requires immediate assessment and intervention.
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