Dysphagia Intro

Question 1

What are the medical consequences of Dysphagia? (3)

Answer 1

1) Aspiration
2) Coughing
3) Choking or asphyxiation

Question 2

Types of Dysphagia (3)

Answer 2

1) Oral
2) Pharyngeal
2) Oesophageal

Question 3

What significant events are included in Oral Dysphagia? (4)

Answer 3

1) Tongue movement
2) Lip seal
3) Pocketing, oral residue
4) Bolus transport

Question 4

What significant events are included in Pharyngeal Dysphagia?

Answer 4

1) Airway closure (epiglottic deflection & glottal closure)
2) Pharyngeal residue
3) Pharyngeal musculature motility
4) UES

Question 5

Dysphagia to solids may be indicative of what aetiology (cause)?

Answer 5

Structural (obstructive), I.e., cleft palate

Question 6

Dysphagia to liquids +/- solids may be indicative of what aetiology (cause)?

Answer 6

Neurological (propulsive), I.e., stroke

Question 7

Common signs that indicate a high risk of aspiration. (6)

Answer 7

1) Reduced alertness
2) Decreased responsiveness to situation
3) Absent swallow reflex
4) Absent protective cough
5) Difficulty handling secretions
6) Significant reductions in range and strength of oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal movements

Question 8

Clinical signs of aspiration at bedside assessment.

Answer 8

1) Cough.
2) Wet voice.
3) Breathing changes (refer to respiratory status/hx list)

Question 9

Risk factors for aspiration pneumonia (12)

Answer 9

1) Aspiration
2) Dysphagia
3) Poor health & immunity/medical status
4) Medications used
5) Poor oral hygiene
6) Oral care dependency
7) Feeding dependency
8) Feeding tube
9) Mobility (bed-bound)
10) Smoking
11) Neck hyper extension while eating/drinking
12) Hx of aspiration pneumonia

Question 10

What are the nutritional consequences of Dysphagia? (3)

Answer 10

1) Weight loss
2) Nutrient deficiencies
3) Dehydration

Question 11

What are the psychosocial consequences of Dysphagia? (3)

Answer 11

1) Depression
2) Social isolation
3) Reduced QOL