A nurse is caring for a client who is suffering from dysphagia after a stroke and is currently NPO. Which member of the inter-professional team would the nurse anticipate will be consulted to determine how this client will be safely fed?

A) Mashed potatoes:

Mashed potatoes are an appropriate choice for a soft diet as they are easy to chew and swallow. A soft diet typically includes foods that are tender, moist, and easy to digest, which helps in minimizing difficulty while eating.

B) High-fiber cereals:

High-fiber cereals are not suitable for a soft diet. They can be hard and difficult to chew, and the high fiber content might irritate the digestive tract, making them less ideal for individuals on a soft diet.

C) Fruit with the skin:

Fruits with the skin can be difficult to chew and digest, especially for those on a soft diet. The skin of fruits can be tough and may not be appropriate for someone needing a diet with soft, easily manageable foods.

D) Raw vegetables:

Raw vegetables are typically hard and require thorough chewing, which makes them unsuitable for a soft diet. Soft diets require foods that are tender and easy to chew, so raw vegetables do not meet these criteria.

A) Speech Therapist: A speech therapist typically works with clients who have communication or swallowing disorders. While they may be involved in assessing and managing difficulties with swallowing, they are not the primary professionals for addressing issues related to hand function or fine motor skills, which are crucial for self-feeding in clients with rheumatoid arthritis.

B) Registered Dietician: A registered dietician is responsible for assessing and planning nutritional needs, which may include recommending dietary modifications for overall health and well-being. However, they do not specifically address the mechanical or functional aspects of eating, such as difficulties due to pain and hand deformities in rheumatoid arthritis.

C) Physical Therapist: Physical therapists focus on improving gross motor function, mobility, and physical strength. While they may help with general mobility and exercise plans to reduce pain and improve joint function, they are not specialists in the fine motor skills and adaptive strategies needed for activities of daily living, such as self-feeding.

D) Occupational Therapist: Occupational therapists specialize in helping clients regain and improve their ability to perform daily activities, particularly those involving fine motor skills. They are well-suited to address issues like pain management, joint protection techniques, and the use of adaptive equipment for self-feeding in clients with rheumatoid arthritis. They work on enhancing the client’s functional independence despite physical limitations.