A hospital patient with a dysphagia problem has been receiving a soft food diet. You notice that she coughs repeatedly while eating meals and eats only small portions of the foods on her plate. You suspect that the diet is inappropriate and that she may need a more restrictive dysphagia diet, but her medical chart doesn't specify the severity of the dysphagia. To address these problems in your care plan, which health professionals would you need to consult, and what information would you require from each of them?
The next meal is due within the hour, and you suspect the woman will be intolerant to the foods she is scheduled to receive. You haven't yet heard from the health practitioners you consulted while developing your care plan. What options might you consider in handling this immediate problem?