Drag each hospitalized-client need to the interprofessional team member who should be consulted first.
Matrix Multiple Choice
Choose your responses, then check the answer.
Explanation
Physical therapists evaluate mobility, gait, transfers, and equipment needs. Speech-language pathologists evaluate swallowing and communication. Pharmacists perform medication reconciliation and address interactions or administration barriers. Social workers or case managers address coverage, transportation, housing, caregiver resources, and service coordination.
Quick answer Match the need to the discipline with the most direct expertise: mobility to PT, swallowing to SLP, medication problems to pharmacy, and resource barriers to social work or case management.
Why this is correct Collaboration is not task dumping. The RN identifies the problem, initiates the appropriate consultation, communicates relevant findings, and follows whether the recommendation was implemented. A referral is strongest when the clinical question is specific.
NCLEX decision rule Choose the team member whose licensed expertise addresses the dominant barrier. Escalate urgent physiologic deterioration first; consultation does not replace immediate nursing action.
References
1NCSBN 2026 NCLEX-RN Test PlanManagement of Care: collaboration and referrals
2AHRQ TeamSTEPPS handoff tool
Interprofessional care conferenceThe RN remains responsible for nursing assessment and follow-through. Select the discipline whose specialized assessment or intervention most directly addresses each need; local referral procedures still apply.
Interprofessional Collaboration — Coordinated work among professions in which responsibilities and information are shared to meet a client's goals.
Closed-Loop Referral — A referral with a clear question, acknowledged receipt, completed evaluation, and communicated follow-up.
Care Coordination — Deliberate organization of people, information, and services so a client's care plan is carried out across disciplines and settings.