Which referral should the nurse make for a client with dysphagia?

When a client is experiencing dysphagia, which is the medical term for difficulty swallowing, it is essential to involve a professional who specializes in the evaluation and management of swallowing disorders. A speech-language pathologist (SLP) is specifically trained to assess and treat individuals with dysphagia. They have expertise in understanding the anatomy and physiology of swallowing, as well as the patterns of speech and language that may affect swallowing function.

The speech-language pathologist can conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the severity and cause of the dysphagia and develop an appropriate treatment plan. This may include strategies for safe swallowing, exercises to strengthen swallowing muscles, and recommendations for dietary modifications. By collaborating with the SLP, the nurse ensures that the client receives personalized care to improve their swallowing abilities and overall nutritional intake.

Other professionals, while beneficial in their own fields, do not specialize specifically in the mechanics and therapy related to swallowing, making the speech-language pathologist the most appropriate referral in the case of dysphagia.