Swallowing Flashcards
Swallowing service delivery by an SLP must include, at minimum:
- Determination of pt’s readiness for assessment (chart review)
- Clinical (non-instrumental) ax
- Management (discussion/education)
Valleculae
2 symmetrical pockets btwn base of tongue and epiglottis
Cricopharyngeal muscle
Upper Esophageal Sphincter
Pyriform sinuses
Posterior-lateral to the laryngeal opening
What muscle would be especially important if a pt were trying to swallow a large bolus?
Stylopharyngeus (dilates the pharynx)
Sign of difficulty with tongue base retraction
Residue in the valleculae
Sign of difficulty with pharyngeal propulsion
Residue in the pyriform sinus + above the upper esophageal sphincter
Sign of difficulty with the opening of UES
Residue above UES
Signs of difficulty with laryngeal function
- Absence of laryngeal elevation (decreased UES opening; penetration or aspiration)
- Delay in laryngeal elevation (penetration or aspiration)
- Reduced laryngeal sensation (weak or absent cough)
Tongue pumping - what is it and what is it often a sign of?
Rocking back and forth of tongue during oral phase attempting to propel bolus; involuntary; often associated w/ PD
What is laryngeal penetration?
Part of the bolus passes the epiglottis but stays above the vocal folds
What nerve is responsible for airway protection during swallow?
Superior Laryngeal Nerve (branch of the Vagus X)
Sign at bedside of penetration before swallow
No laryngeal movement
Sign at bedside of penetration after swallow
Delay of about 60 seconds but less than 2 minutes before coughing
A swallow screening can be carried out by ___
Nurse, OT, dietician
One of the following activities should be included in a swallow screening
- ID of risk for dysphagia thru medical chart review
- Recognition of overt signs of swallowing difficulty (e.g. coughing, choking)
- Confirmation of specific clinical observations that are risk factors for dysphagia during physical exam (e.g. reduced level of consciousness, drooling, effortful chewing, pt complains of pain/obstruction, voice change after liquids)
How to measure integrity of MOTOR component of cranial nerve V?
Ask them to resist opening/closing of mouth; side-to-side; clench
How to measure integrity of SENSORY component of cranial nerve V?
Brushing left/right of face, feels same or diff? Which side am I touching?
How to measure MOTOR integrity of CN VII?
Make a seal w/ lips and don’t let me touch teeth
Blow whistle/smile/puff cheeks
How to measure SENSORY integrity of CN VII?
When does an SLP have to get a MD’s interpretation of a VFSS?
- Anatomical anomalies
- Esophageal anomalies (even eventual)