Dysphagia Flashcards
What should be consulted for early evaluation of a patient with dysphagia?
Speech therapy
What could untreated dysphagia cause?
Risk for aspiration and associated complications
A patient with dysphagia is eating. What two symptoms should the nurse monitor?
Coughing
Change in voice tone or quality after swallowing
What could delayed swallowing or incomplete oral clearance indicate?
Dysphagia
What amount of food may be used to begin feeding a patient with dysphagia?
1/4 of a teaspoon
What could muscle weakness, poor muscle control, abnormal gag reflex, or inability to cough indicate?
Dysphagia
What should be present while feeding a patient with dysphagia?
Suction
What should teh nurse observe while feeding a patient with dysphagia?
The larynx after each intake
Where should the food be placed when feeding a patient with dysphagia?
The stronger side of the mouth
What should the nurse have the patient do while eating?
Tilt the head forward and the chin down
What should the nurse instruct the client with dysphagia to do after feeding?
Instruct them to do a finger swab and speak to assess for wet or gurgly voice
What should the nurse do if the patient presents with a wet sounding voice?
As the client to cough to clear secretions
What position should the patient be in after eating?
Upright for at least 30 minutes
What should the nurse do if suctioning is required?
Avoid stimulating the gag reflex
Who is most at risk for foodborne illness?
Children, elderly, and immunocompromised
___ cause the majority of illnesses, ____ cause the most deaths.
Viruses, bacterial
