A nurse is preparing to give a client an infusion of packed red blood cells (PRBCS). The nurse is priming her administration IV tubing, the nurse primes one side of the Y tubing with the blood and the other should be which solution?

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.

A) The client is reporting constipation:

Constipation is a common issue with enteral feeding, often due to decreased fluid intake or lack of fiber. While it is important to manage constipation to improve comfort and bowel function, it is not as urgent as dealing with vomiting.

B) The client reports being thirsty:

Thirst can be a sign of dehydration or inadequate fluid intake. Although it should be addressed to ensure proper hydration, it is less critical compared to vomiting, which poses immediate risks.

C) The client is vomiting the enteral formula:

Vomiting is a priority concern because it can lead to aspiration, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and further complications. Addressing the cause of vomiting and managing it promptly is crucial for the client’s safety.

D) The client is experiencing abdominal cramping:

Abdominal cramping can be related to the feeding rate, type of formula, or intolerance. While it requires attention, it is less urgent than addressing vomiting, which could have more immediate and serious consequences.