Question

A nurse is caring for a client with osteoarthritis who reports difficulty buttoning their clothes. The nurse should recommend a referral for the client to which of the following members of the interprofessional team?

A) Occupational therapist.
B) Nutritionist.
C) Social worker.
D) Physical therapist.

Answer 1

A nurse should refer a client with osteoarthritis having trouble buttoning clothes to an occupational therapist, who specializes in aiding clients with daily living skills.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a nurse is caring for a client with osteoarthritis who reports difficulty buttoning their clothes, the nurse should recommend a referral to an occupational therapist. Occupational therapists specialize in helping individuals with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses develop or regain the skills necessary for daily living and working. This can include adapting the environment, modifying tasks, teaching skills, and using therapy to enhance their clients' ability to perform activities such as dressing themselves. While a physical therapist focuses on improving the mechanics of body movement, an occupational therapist is more suited to assist with fine motor skills and day-to-day activities.

Occupational therapists are experts in helping individuals improve their ability to perform daily living activities, such as buttoning clothes, despite physical limitations or disabilities. They can provide interventions and strategies to help the client maintain independence and improve their quality of life.