Fundamentals of Nursing Q 83
Paul Jake suffered a stroke and has difficulty swallowing. Which healthcare team member should be consulted to assess the patient’s risk for aspiration?
A. Respiratory therapist
B. Occupational therapist
C. Dentist
D. Speech therapist
Correct Answer: D. Speech therapist
Speech and language therapists provide assistance to clients experiencing swallowing and speech disturbances. They assess the risk for aspiration and recommend a treatment plan to reduce the risk. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults.
Option A: Respiratory therapists provide care for patients with respiratory disorders. Respiratory therapists interview and examine patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. Respiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing—for example, from a chronic respiratory disease, such as asthma or emphysema.
Option B: Occupational therapists help patients regain function and independence. Occupational therapists treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.
Option C: Dentists diagnose and treat dental disorders. Dentists remove tooth decay, fill cavities, and repair fractured teeth. Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients’ teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth. They provide advice and instruction on taking care of the teeth and gums and on diet choices that affect oral health.