A unit charge nurse in an inpatient rehabilitation facility is evaluating the care plan for a client with exacerbating secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. The client's family reports three urgent concerns: the client frequently chokes on clear liquids, struggles to hold silverware or button clothing due to profound bilateral hand weakness, and the family feels overwhelmed and hopeless regarding the ongoing care demands. Which nursing action demonstrates the most appropriate interdisciplinary collaboration and safe delegation?
- Consult a speech-language pathologist to evaluate the choking episodes and an occupational therapist to recommend adaptive dressing and eating devices.Answer
- BConsult a registered dietitian to address the choking with thickened liquids and a physical therapist to improve fine motor hand strength.
- CDelegate all oral feeding to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to ensure supervision and refer the family to the social worker for support.
- DReassure the family that choking is an expected disease symptom and consult a psychiatrist to address their feelings of hopelessness.
Answer
The correct action is to consult a speech-language pathologist to evaluate the choking episodes and an occupational therapist to recommend adaptive dressing and eating devices.
The correct action accurately matches the client's deficits to the proper interdisciplinary team members. A speech-language pathologist (SLP) is the clinical expert required to evaluate dysphagia and aspiration risks. An occupational therapist (OT) specializes in fine motor skills and the provision of adaptive devices to assist with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as eating and dressing.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Interdisciplinary Team Scopes of Practice and Safe Delegation
Estimated Time:1m 30s