A nurse is caring for a newly admitted child who has cystic fibrosis. For which of the following members of the interprofessional team should the nurse initiate a referral?

A. A dietitian is essential for managing cystic fibrosis because CF often leads to malabsorption of nutrients and requires a high-calorie, high-fat diet to support growth and maintain weight. Children with CF may also need enzyme supplements to aid in digestion. However, this can be done after addressing the respiratory concerns.
B. Regular physical therapy is important for helping the child with respiratory exercises and techniques to clear mucus from the lungs, as well as improving overall physical conditioning and endurance. Physical therapy helps manage and prevent complications related to lung function, which is a key concern in CF.
C. A speech-language pathologist can be helpful in assessing and treating communication and swallowing disorders but they are not typically the primary focus in the management of cystic fibrosis unless the child has specific issues related to speech or swallowing that are not common in CF.
D. An occupational therapist helps children develop skills for daily living and fine motor skills. While this can be beneficial for children with various conditions, it is not usually a primary focus for a child with cystic fibrosis unless there are specific concerns related to fine motor skills or activities of daily living.

A. The Hepatitis B vaccine is typically administered in a series of three doses, starting at birth and continuing through the first year of life. By the age of 5, the child should already have completed the Hepatitis B series. Therefore, this vaccine is not usually administered at this age unless there is a missed dose or special circumstances requiring catch-up.
B. The Hib vaccine is given in a series during infancy and early childhood, with the last dose typically administered between 12 and 15 months of age. By the age of 5, most children should have completed the Hib series. Like Hepatitis B, Hib would not generally be administered at this age unless there are specific catch-up needs.
C. The Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine is part of the routine immunization schedule for children. The first dose is typically given between 12 and 15 months of age, and the second dose is administered between 4 and 6 years of age. At 5 years old, the child would be due for the second dose of the Varicella vaccine if not already received. This makes it a relevant immunization for this age group.
D. The Rotavirus vaccine is given in a series to infants, starting at 2 months of age, with subsequent doses typically given at 4 and 6 months. The series should be completed before the child is 8 months old. By age 5, the child should have already completed the Rotavirus series, so this vaccine would not be administered at this age.