Which action would be most appropriate for a CVA client with communication and swallowing difficulties when consulting the interprofessional team?

Which action would be most appropriate for a CVA client with communication and swallowing difficulties when consulting the interprofessional team?

• A. Physiotherapist
• B. Speech-language pathologist
• C. Dietitian
• D. Social worker

Answer: (B)

When a stroke patient has trouble speaking and swallowing, a speech-language pathologist is the most appropriate professional to consult. An SLP specializes in both communication and swallowing disorders, which means they can assess language abilities (receptive and expressive skills, fluency, and the need for alternative communication methods) as well as swallowing function and safety. They determine if someone is at risk for aspiration, develop swallowing therapy, and teach compensatory strategies to eat safely, such as postural changes or texture modifications. They also coordinate with the dietitian to ensure safe, appropriate food textures and with other team members to support overall communication and participation in care. While other professionals address mobility, nutrition, or psychosocial support, the SLP directly targets the combination of communication and swallowing difficulties in this scenario.

When a stroke patient has trouble speaking and swallowing, a speech-language pathologist is the most appropriate professional to consult. An SLP specializes in both communication and swallowing disorders, which means they can assess language abilities (receptive and expressive skills, fluency, and the need for alternative communication methods) as well as swallowing function and safety. They determine if someone is at risk for aspiration, develop swallowing therapy, and teach compensatory strategies to eat safely, such as postural changes or texture modifications. They also coordinate with the dietitian to ensure safe, appropriate food textures and with other team members to support overall communication and participation in care. While other professionals address mobility, nutrition, or psychosocial support, the SLP directly targets the combination of communication and swallowing difficulties in this scenario.