Which client is likely to need a specialist consult based on their reported symptoms?

The client experiencing diplopia, which refers to double vision, is likely to need a specialist consult because this symptom can be indicative of a range of serious underlying conditions that may require neurological evaluation. Diplopia can result from issues such as cranial nerve palsies, multiple sclerosis, or even an aneurysm. Given the potential complexity and seriousness associated with visual disturbances, consulting a specialist, such as a neurologist or ophthalmologist, is essential for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

In contrast, while clients with poison ivy reactions, abdominal pain, or earaches may also require evaluation and treatment, their conditions are typically within the expertise of primary care or emergency medicine practitioners. Poison ivy reactions are generally managed with topical treatments and symptom relief. Abdominal pain can originate from various benign causes that might be assessed by general practitioners or emergency physicians. Earaches, too, often resolve with standard treatments for infections or inflammation and are less likely to indicate a need for specialist intervention compared to the complexities associated with diplopia.