Dysphagia

1. On bedside swallow, what are predictors of aspiration?
2. What are the three phases of swallowing?
3. What is a chin tuck?
4. What are predictors of aspiration on video swallow study?
5. What are the risk factors for developing aspiration pneumonia?

Answers:
1. Abnormal cough, cough after swallowing, dysphonia, dysarthria, abnormal gag reflex, voice changes after swallow.
2. Oral, pharyngeal, esophageal.
3. Protection of airway by preventing entry of liquid into larynx via facilitating forward movement of the larynx. Also decreases the space between the base of tongue and posterior pharynx.
4. Delayed initiation of swallow reflex, decreased pharyngeal peristalsis.
5. Decreased LOC, tracheostomy, emesis, reflux, NGT feeding, dysphagia, prolonged pharyngeal transit time.