A nurse is caring for a client who has dysphagia following a stroke. The nurse should recommend a referral to which of the following members of the interdisciplinary team?

Post stroke dysphagia presents an immediate risk for silent aspiration, chemical pneumonitis, and severe nutritional compromise. Knowledge of interdisciplinary roles, cranial nerve assessment, and swallowing mechanics must be applied to determine the appropriate rehabilitative specialist referral. Choice A rationale Respiratory therapists specialize in mechanical ventilation, airway clearance, and pulmonary function optimization. While they manage respiratory distress, they do not evaluate neuromuscular swallowing mechanisms or direct dysphagia dietary rehabilitation programs. Choice B rationale Occupational therapists focus on restoring activities of daily living and upper extremity functional mechanics. Although they assist with adaptive eating utensils, they do not primarily diagnose or rehabilitate pharyngeal swallowing dysfunction. Choice C rationale Physical therapists specialize in gross motor rehabilitation, gait training, and lower extremity strength restoration. Their scope of practice excludes the clinical assessment or dietary modification required to manage pharyngeal dysphagia. Choice D rationale Speech therapists possess specialized clinical training to perform bedside swallowing evaluations and modified barium swallow studies. They implement specific pharyngeal exercises and texture modifications to ensure safe bolus transit and prevent aspiration.