A registered nurse is coordinating a home hospice transition plan for a client with late-stage amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The client has recently developed episodes of coughing during meals, profound upper extremity weakness, and the spouse reports severe exhaustion from providing continuous care. Which of the following interdisciplinary team actions should the nurse include in the care plan? Select all that apply.
- Initiate a referral to speech-language pathology for a comprehensive dysphagia evaluation and dietary texture recommendations.Answer
- Engage medical social services to evaluate the spouse for caregiver burnout and arrange supplemental in-home support.Answer
- Involve occupational therapy to assess fine motor deficits and provide adaptive devices that promote safe self-care.Answer
- DAssign the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to perform the initial clinical assessment of the client's respiratory status during oral intake.
- EFocus on coordinating a physical therapy consultation for endurance training before managing the client's airway risks during meals.
Answer
The appropriate interdisciplinary actions are initiating a referral to speech-language pathology, engaging medical social services, and involving occupational therapy.
The client requires a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to address multifaceted palliative needs. A speech-language pathologist is necessary to evaluate the new-onset coughing and recommend strategies to prevent aspiration. An occupational therapist is needed to address the profound upper extremity weakness and provide adaptive devices for daily living. Additionally, a medical social worker must be involved to support the exhausted spouse, evaluate caregiver burnout, and arrange for community respite care resources.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Scope of Practice