Dysphagia is a swallowing disorder that can be assessed by a trained nurse. The nurse will assess the patient’s swallowing ability by observing their posture, facial expressions, and breathing pattern while they are eating or drinking. The nurse may also ask the patient to perform tasks that involve swallowing, such as gargling water, talking while drinking, and other activities. Additionally, the nurse may use imaging tests such as X-rays or swallowing studies to further assess the patient’s condition.

How do you assess for dysphagia in nursing?

In order to assess for dysphagia in nursing, it is important to understand the signs and symptoms of the condition, as well as the risk factors associated with it. When assessing for dysphagia, nurses can look for signs such as difficulty with swallowing, coughing, choking, or wet-sounding speech. Risk factors for dysphagia include stroke, head or neck injury, advanced age, and certain neurological conditions. In addition to a physical exam, nurses may also use instruments such as endoscopy or videofluoroscopy to assess for dysphagia. It is also important for nurses to assess the patient’s diet and nutrition, as dysphagia can lead to malnutrition or dehydration.

How do you assess a patient with dysphagia?

To assess a patient with dysphagia, a health professional will typically conduct a physical examination, review the patient’s medical history, and evaluate the patient’s swallowing function. A physical exam may include observation of the patient’s swallowing and the use of a tool to measure the strength of the swallowing muscles. The medical history should include any medications the patient is taking, any previous head and neck surgery, any recent illnesses, any food allergies, and any family history of dysphagia. The evaluation of swallowing function may include a Modified Barium Swallow Study, a Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing, a Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study, or an instrumental assessment of laryngeal function.