Question

Difficulty: EasyCollaboration with Interdisciplinary Team

A nurse is coordinating the care plan for a client who is recovering from a stroke. The client exhibits weakness in the right leg, struggles to hold a toothbrush, and frequently coughs when drinking water. Which of the following interdisciplinary team members should the nurse include in the collaborative care plan to address these specific needs? Select all that apply.

  1. Physical therapist for the right leg weakness and mobility issuesAnswer
  2. Occupational therapist for assistance with fine motor skills like holding a toothbrushAnswer
  3. Speech-language pathologist for evaluating the coughing during fluid intakeAnswer
  4. D
    Respiratory therapist for administering breathing treatments for the coughing
  5. E
    Unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) for conducting the initial swallowing assessment

Answer

The nurse should collaborate with a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, and a speech-language pathologist.
Safe and effective rehabilitation for a stroke survivor requires a multidisciplinary approach. The physical therapist addresses gross motor and mobility deficits, such as leg weakness. The occupational therapist focuses on fine motor skills and the ability to perform activities of daily living independently, such as holding a toothbrush. The speech-language pathologist is essential for evaluating and managing dysphagia, which is evidenced by the client coughing when drinking water.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the client's clinical presentation.
The client has right leg weakness, difficulty with fine motor skills (holding a toothbrush), and signs of dysphagia (coughing with water).
Identifying specific deficits determines which specialized care providers are needed.
2
Match the right leg weakness to the appropriate discipline.
A physical therapist is required.
Physical therapists address gross motor impairments, strength, and mobility issues.
3
Match the difficulty holding a toothbrush to the appropriate discipline.
An occupational therapist is required.
Occupational therapists assist clients with fine motor skills and relearning activities of daily living (ADLs).
4
Match the coughing during fluid intake to the appropriate discipline.
A speech-language pathologist is required.
Coughing with fluids indicates a swallowing impairment (dysphagia), which falls under the expertise of a speech-language pathologist.
5
Evaluate the remaining options for appropriateness.
Respiratory therapist and UAP options are incorrect.
The coughing is related to swallowing, not respiratory disease, and initial assessments cannot be delegated to UAPs.

Key Concept

Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration in Stroke Rehabilitation
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