The Certified Nurses aide has reported to the Nurse manager that one of their clients appears to have developed some swallowing issues and is beginning to look malnourished. The Nurse manager will likely ask for a consultation from which member of the health care team to assess for a potential swallowing problem?
A) Physical therapist
B) Occupational therapist
C) Speech therapist
D) Registered dietician
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is C) Speech therapist.
Swallowing issues, also known as dysphagia, are typically assessed and managed by a speech therapist. This specialized healthcare provider is trained in evaluating and treating swallowing disorders, which can be caused by various factors such as neurological conditions, structural abnormalities, or muscle weakness. Speech therapists use a range of techniques to assess the patient’s ability to swallow safely and effectively, including clinical assessments and instrumental evaluations like a modified barium swallow study.
When a client shows signs of malnutrition and difficulty swallowing, it is crucial to determine the underlying cause of these issues. The speech therapist will work with the nursing team to identify the severity of the swallowing problem and develop a treatment plan, which may include exercises to strengthen swallowing muscles, modifications in diet consistency, or recommendations for safer swallowing techniques.
Although other team members, such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, and registered dietitians, play important roles in the care of patients with swallowing difficulties, the speech therapist is the most appropriate professional to assess and address swallowing issues. Physical therapists focus more on mobility and motor function, occupational therapists help with daily living activities, and dietitians assess nutritional needs and food intake but do not specialize in the mechanics of swallowing. Therefore, the speech therapist is the most appropriate choice to assess and manage swallowing difficulties.