A nurse is collecting data to determine the best practice for reducing pressure injuries in clients. Which of the following roles is the nurse taking?

A. A researcher focuses on conducting studies, gathering data, and contributing to the evidence base in healthcare. While researchers play a crucial role in advancing knowledge and improving practices, this role does not primarily involve organizing or coordinating the efforts of interprofessional team members for client care.
B. A care coordinator is responsible for organizing and managing the various aspects of a client's care across different healthcare professionals and services. This role involves ensuring that all team members work together efficiently to address the client’s needs, managing transitions of care, and facilitating communication among team members. In this context, the nurse who is organizing interprofessional team members to meet the needs of a client is performing the role of a care coordinator.
C. A counselor provides support, guidance, and therapeutic interventions to clients and their families. This role involves helping clients cope with emotional, psychological, or social issues. While important in client care, it is not primarily focused on organizing and coordinating the contributions of different professionals.
D. An educator is responsible for teaching clients, families, or healthcare staff about various aspects of health, illness, and care management. This role involves providing information and instruction but does not specifically include the task of organizing and coordinating the efforts of an interprofessional team.

A. A case manager coordinates and manages the overall care of the client, particularly when there are multiple healthcare needs or transitions in care. Given that the client has just experienced a CVA, the case manager could be crucial in coordinating care, arranging for additional services, and ensuring continuity of care, especially since the client lives alone.
B. The client is experiencing wheezing in the upper lobes of the lungs and is receiving supplemental oxygen. A respiratory therapist would be instrumental in evaluating and managing the client's respiratory status, including optimizing oxygen therapy and addressing any issues related to asthma or lung function.
C. There is no mention of diabetes in the client's history or current symptoms. The focus of the client's care is on managing the effects of the CVA and respiratory issues. Therefore, a referral to a diabetes nurse educator is not indicated based on the provided information.
D. The client has flaccid extremities with decreased muscle tone and strength following the CVA. A physical therapist would be essential for assessing and providing therapy to improve mobility, strength, and function in the affected extremities. This referral is appropriate for addressing the physical impairments resulting from the CVA.
E. The client is having difficulty with self-feeding due to decreased muscle tone and strength, which impacts daily activities. An occupational therapist can help with adaptive techniques and strategies for self-care tasks, such as feeding, and provide interventions to improve the client’s ability to perform daily activities independently. This referral is appropriate for addressing functional challenges related to the CVA.
F. An enterostomal therapy nurse specializes in wound care, ostomy management, and incontinence care. There is no indication in the provided information that the client has any issues related to wounds, ostomies, or incontinence. Therefore, a referral to an enterostomal therapy nurse is not indicated based on the current information.