A nurse is caring for a newly admitted child who has cystic fibrosis. For which of the following members of the interprofessional team should the nurse initiate a referral?
Explanation & Rationale
A. A dietitian is essential for managing cystic fibrosis because CF often leads to malabsorption of nutrients and requires a high-calorie, high-fat diet to support growth and maintain weight. Children with CF may also need enzyme supplements to aid in digestion. However, this can be done after addressing the respiratory concerns. B. Regular physical therapy is important for helping the child with respiratory exercises and techniques to clear mucus from the lungs, as well as improving overall physical conditioning and endurance. Physical therapy helps manage and prevent complications related to lung function, which is a key concern in CF. C. A speech-language pathologist can be helpful in assessing and treating communication and swallowing disorders but they are not typically the primary focus in the management of cystic fibrosis unless the child has specific issues related to speech or swallowing that are not common in CF. D. An occupational therapist helps children develop skills for daily living and fine motor skills. While this can be beneficial for children with various conditions, it is not usually a primary focus for a child with cystic fibrosis unless there are specific concerns related to fine motor skills or activities of daily living.