A nurse is preparing to teach a female client about osteoporosis prevention. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse make for this client?

A. Social worker:

While social workers play a crucial role in addressing various aspects of a patient's well-being, such as psychosocial needs and support systems, they may not be the primary healthcare team member to address the specific issue of a client with severe rheumatoid arthritis being unable to feed herself.

B. Physician assistant:

Physician assistants are medical professionals who work under the supervision of a physician. While they contribute to the overall care of the patient, they may not be the primary specialist for addressing the functional limitations and specific needs associated with severe rheumatoid arthritis.

C. Physical therapist:

Physical therapists primarily focus on physical rehabilitation, movement, and mobility. While they may be involved in the overall care plan for a patient with rheumatoid arthritis, the specific issue of hand function and activities of daily living, such as feeding, is more directly addressed by occupational therapists.

D. Occupational therapist:

The correct choice. Occupational therapists specialize in helping individuals regain or improve their ability to perform daily activities, such as feeding, dressing, and grooming. In the case of severe rheumatoid arthritis affecting the hands, an occupational therapist can work with the client to develop strategies, adaptive equipment, and exercises to enhance hand function and promote independence in activities of daily living.

A. The client tucks their chin when they swallow:
This is a proper swallowing technique. Tucking the chin helps close off the airway during swallowing, reducing the risk of aspiration. It facilitates the safe passage of food or liquids into the esophagus
B. The client adjusts the head of their bed to 90°:
This action is appropriate. Keeping the head of the bed elevated to 30 to 45 degrees is recommended for clients with dysphagia as it helps prevent aspiration during swallowing.
C. The client drinks their thickened juice with a straw:
This action indicates a potential problem. The use of a straw with thickened liquids is generally not recommended for clients with dysphagia. Thickened liquids are used to slow down the flow of the liquid and reduce the risk of aspiration. Drinking thickened juice through a straw may compromise the effectiveness of thickening and increase the risk of aspiration.
D. The client takes frequent breaks while eating:
This action is also appropriate. Clients with dysphagia may need to take breaks between bites to ensure safe and effective swallowing. It allows the client to pace themselves and reduces the risk of aspiration.