A nurse is updating the plan of care for a client who has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with dysphagia. Which of the following interprofessional team members should the nurse identify as the priority to consult?
Dietitian
Physical therapist
Speech-language pathologist
Occupational therapist
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A option:
Dietitian should not be consulted: The dietitian is an essential team member and will work closely with the client to ensure proper nutrition and dietary management. However, in the context of dysphagia, the speech-language pathologist's expertise is needed to determine safe swallowing strategies and food modifications.
Choice B option:
Physical therapist should not be consulted: The physical therapist focuses on maintaining and improving the client's physical function and mobility. While important in ALS management, the physical therapist's role is not directly related to the immediate issue of dysphagia.
Choice C option:
The speech-language pathologist is the correct answer because it specializes in assessing and treating communication and swallowing disorders. In this case, the speech-language pathologist is essential in evaluating the client's swallowing function, recommending appropriate dietary modifications (texture and consistency of foods), and implementing swallowing exercises or strategies to improve swallowing safety.
Choice D option:
Occupational therapist should not be consulted: The occupational therapist assists clients in regaining or maintaining independence in daily living activities. While the occupational therapist may address some aspects of mealtime activities and adaptive strategies, the speech-language pathologist is more specialized in evaluating and treating swallowing difficulties in clients with ALS.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Assessing fluid intake every 24 hr is important for a postoperative client, but it is not the priority action. The nurse should monitor fluid intake and output more frequently, such as every 8 hr or every shift, to detect any imbalances or complications.
B. Ambulating three times a day is beneficial for a postoperative client, but it is not the priority action. The nurse should encourage early and frequent ambulation to promote circulation, prevent thromboembolism, and enhance bowel function, but only after ensuring that the client is stable and has adequate pain control.
C. Assisting with deep breathing and coughing is the priority action for a postoperative client who had abdominal surgery. The nurse should help the client perform these exercises every 1 to 2 hr to prevent atelectasis, pneumonia, and respiratory failure, which are common and serious complications after abdominal surgery.
D. Monitoring the incision site for findings of infection is important for a postoperative client, but it is not the priority action. The nurse should inspect the wound for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, drainage, or odor, but this can be done during routine dressing changes or as needed.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Incorrect. The nurse should check the functioning of oxygen equipment daily, not weekly, to ensure safety and proper delivery of oxygen.
B. Correct. The nurse should instruct the client to wear clothing made with cotton fabrics while oxygen is in use, as synthetic fabrics can generate static electricity and cause sparks that could ignite the oxygen.
C. Incorrect. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid petroleum-based lubricants, such as Vaseline, as they are flammable and could cause burns if exposed to oxygen. The nurse should recommend water-soluble lubricants, such as K-Y jelly, instead.
D. Incorrect. The nurse should instruct the client to store full oxygen tanks upright, not on their side, to prevent them from rolling and damaging the valve or regulator.
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