A nurse is updating the plan of care for a client who has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with dysphagia. Which of the following interprofessional team members should the nurse identify as the priority to consult?

A. A dietitian is important for clients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) because they help ensure adequate nutrition and modify diet consistency. However, while nutrition is important, it depends on first determining the client’s swallowing ability and safe oral intake, which is not within the dietitian’s scope. B. An occupational therapist assists with activities of daily living and adaptive equipment to promote independence. Although helpful in ALS care, they do not directly address swallowing safety or dysphagia management, making them a lower priority in this situation. C. A speech-language pathologist is the priority provider to consult. In a client with ALS and dysphagia, the most immediate safety concern is aspiration risk. Speech-language pathologists assess swallowing ability, recommend safe swallowing techniques, and determine appropriate food and fluid consistencies. This directly reduces the risk of aspiration pneumonia, making them the most urgent interprofessional referral. D. A physical therapist focuses on mobility, muscle strength, and maintaining functional movement in ALS clients. While important for long-term care and mobility support, they do not address swallowing impairment, so they are not the priority in this scenario.