A nurse is developing an interdisciplinary care plan for an -year-old client recovering in a rehabilitation unit following a complex cerebrovascular accident (CVA). The client has regained independent ambulation but exhibits new-onset dysphagia and profound fine motor deficits, rendering them unable to grasp standard eating utensils. The client's spouse is visibly distressed regarding the client's poor nutritional intake. Which collaborative action represents the most appropriate interdisciplinary management?
- Consulting an occupational therapist to address the fine motor deficits and a speech-language pathologist to perform a comprehensive swallowing evaluation.Answer
- BDelegating the initial assessment of the client's swallowing ability and the selection of adaptive feeding utensils to the unlicensed assistive personnel.
- CAsking the spouse, "Why are you expecting normal oral intake so soon?" and referring the client to a medical social worker to initiate a high-calorie diet.
- DExplaining to the spouse that dysphagia is a normal physiological change of aging and consulting a physical therapist to retrain the client's fine motor skills.
Answer
The most appropriate action is consulting an occupational therapist to address the fine motor deficits and a speech-language pathologist to perform a comprehensive swallowing evaluation.
The correct action accurately matches the client's specific clinical needs with the appropriate allied health scopes of practice. An occupational therapist (OT) specializes in evaluating and treating fine motor deficits and promoting independence in activities of daily living, such as providing adaptive utensils for eating. A speech-language pathologist (SLP) is the highly specialized interdisciplinary team member trained to conduct a comprehensive swallowing evaluation for a client with new-onset dysphagia to prevent aspiration and ensure safe oral intake.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Scope of Practice in Rehabilitation