A nurse is assessing a client who had a stroke 2 days ago. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a need for a referral to speech-language pathology?

Choice A reason: This is not the correct choice because requesting orientation to the medical-surgical unit is not the first action the nurse should take. Orientation is a process that takes time and planning, and it may not be feasible or necessary for a temporary assignment. The nurse should first ensure that they are competent to perform the tasks and procedures required on the medical-surgical unit.

Choice B reason: This is not the correct choice because referring to the assigned resource nurse regarding client assignments is not the first action the nurse should take. The resource nurse is a person who can provide guidance and support to the nurse during the shift, but they are not responsible for determining the nurse's competencies or assigning clients. The nurse should first communicate with the charge nurse, who is the leader of the unit and has the authority to assign clients according to the nurse's skills and experience.

Choice C reason: This is not the correct choice because informing the nursing supervisor of the lack of experience on the medical-surgical unit is not the first action the nurse should take. The nursing supervisor is a person who can oversee the staffing and operations of the nursing units, but they are not directly involved in the clinical care of the clients or the education of the staff. The nurse should first consult with the charge nurse, who can assess the nurse's competencies and provide appropriate resources and education.

Choice D reason: This is the correct choice because clarifying competencies with the medical-surgical charge nurse is the first action the nurse should take. The charge nurse is a person who can evaluate the nurse's skills and knowledge, assign clients according to the nurse's level of expertise, and provide orientation and training as needed. The nurse should be honest and proactive in communicating their competencies and learning needs to the charge nurse.

Choice A reason: This is the correct choice because a social worker can help the parent with financial assistance, insurance coverage, or other resources to obtain the nebulizer and the medication for the child. A social worker can also provide emotional support and education to the parent and the child about asthma management.

Choice B reason: This is not the correct choice because a pharmacist can only provide information about the medication, such as the dosage, side effects, and interactions. A pharmacist cannot help the parent with the cost of the nebulizer or the medication.

Choice C reason: This is not the correct choice because child protective services is not a referral that the nurse should recommend in this situation. The parent is not neglecting or abusing the child, but rather expressing a concern about the affordability of the nebulizer. Reporting the parent to child protective services could cause more harm than good to the parent-child relationship and the child's well-being.

Choice D reason: This is not the correct choice because a respiratory therapist can only provide technical assistance and education on how to use the nebulizer and the medication. A respiratory therapist cannot help the parent with the cost of the nebulizer or the medication.