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) An occupational therapist focuses on helping clients regain independence in daily activities and may assist with adaptive techniques for self-care. However, for a client with dysphagia, their primary need is related to swallowing, not daily tasks. B) A physical therapist specializes in mobility and physical function. While they play an important role in overall physical health, they are not the primary resource for addressing dysphagia, which involves the swallowing process. C) Consulting a speech-language pathologist is the priority. This professional specializes in communication and swallowing disorders. They can assess the severity of the dysphagia and recommend safe swallowing techniques or interventions to reduce the risk of aspiration, making them essential in the management of a client with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. D) A dietitian can provide guidance on nutrition and diet modifications to accommodate dysphagia. While important, the immediate priority is to address the swallowing difficulties through evaluation and intervention by a speech-language pathologist.