During morning rounds on a neurology unit, a nurse observes a client with an acute exacerbation of multiple sclerosis consuming breakfast. The client coughs repeatedly and clears their throat forcefully after taking sips of water. When asked how they are feeling, the client states, 'My throat feels unusually weak today when I try to drink.' Which action by the nurse demonstrates the most appropriate interprofessional collaboration?
- AAssign an unlicensed assistive personnel to closely monitor and feed the client slowly for the remainder of the meal.
- BContact the clinical dietitian to immediately replace the client's water with nectar-thickened liquids.
- Request a consultation with a speech-language pathologist to comprehensively evaluate the client's swallowing function.Answer
- DAsk the client, 'Why do you think you are coughing so much when you try to drink your water today?'
Answer
The nurse should request a consultation with a speech-language pathologist to comprehensively evaluate the client's swallowing function.
The client's coughing and throat clearing after drinking thin liquids are classic signs of dysphagia, a common complication of multiple sclerosis exacerbations. The speech-language pathologist is the specific interdisciplinary team member trained to conduct swallow studies, diagnose aspiration risk, and recommend safe diet modifications.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Interprofessional collaboration involves identifying the specific functional deficits of a client and referring them to the appropriate specialist, such as a speech-language pathologist for new-onset dysphagia.