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 A
Explanation
A. Correct. The nurse should initiate continuous cardiac monitoring because a magnesium level of 2.7 mEq/L indicates hypermagnesemia, which can cause cardiac dysrhythmias, hypotension, and bradycardia.
B. Incorrect. The nurse should not administer potassium chloride to a client who has hypermagnesemia because it can worsen the condition by increasing the intracellular magnesium level and decreasing the serum calcium level.
C. Incorrect. The nurse should not provide a diet rich in legumes, nuts, and green vegetables to a client who has hypermagnesemia because these foods are high in magnesium and can increase the serum magnesium level.
D. Incorrect. The nurse should not monitor the client for tetany because tetany is a sign of hypomagnesemia, not hypermagnesemia. Hypomagnesemia can cause neuromuscular excitability, muscle spasms, and positive Chvostek's and Trousseau's signs.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Correct. A 6-month-old infant who has croup and an O2 saturation of 92% on room air is at risk of respiratory distress and hypoxia. Croup causes inflammation and narrowing of the upper airway, which can compromise breathing. An O2 saturation of 92% is below the normal range of 95% to 100% and indicates inadequate oxygenation. This child needs immediate assessment and intervention to prevent further deterioration.
B. Incorrect. A 15-year-old adolescent who is 2 hr postoperative following an open reduction and internal fixation of the left ankle and is requesting pain medication has a priority need for pain management, but not as urgent as a child with respiratory compromise. The nurse should assess the adolescent's pain level, administer the prescribed analgesic, and monitor the effectiveness of the medication.
C. Incorrect. A 3-year-old toddler who has gastroenteritis, moderate dehydration, and had two loose bowel movements over the past 24 hr has a potential risk for fluid and electrolyte imbalance, but not as acute as a child with respiratory compromise. The nurse should monitor the toddler's intake and output, vital signs, weight, and skin turgor, and administer oral or intravenous fluids as prescribed.
D. Incorrect. A 10-year-old child who is awaiting surgery for an appendectomy and experienced sudden relief from pain may have a perforated appendix, which can lead to peritonitis and sepsis. However, this child is not as unstable as a child with respiratory compromise. The nurse should notify the surgeon of the change in pain status, monitor the child's vital signs, abdominal assessment, and laboratory results, and prepare the child for surgery.
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