Impaired Swallowing: A Case Study

1344 Words3 Pages

The nursing diagnosis for Mr. K is impaired swallowing (dysphagia) related to new diagnosis, inadequate management, unilateral neglect, lack of familial support, and lack of oral care secondary to stroke as evidenced by inability to clear oral cavity, delayed swallowing, coughing, drooling, saliva buildup, and facial muscle weakness (Lewis et al., 2015).
Early identification and nursing interventions of dysphagia are important to prevent complications associated with dysphagia including risks of malnutrition, dehydration, aspiration, and pneumonia (Lewis et al., 2015).
Assessments for Mr. K related to impaired swallowing are outlined in the table below:
Assessment (Lewis et al., 2015) Rationale (Lewis et al., 2015)
Perform bedside swallow assessment to …show more content…

Swallowing response decreases as patient alertness decreases.
Planning
Nurses provide patients with around the clock care in hospitals are in an ideal position to identify patients with impaired swallowing and implement interventions that may prevent further complications. The following are nursing interventions for impaired swallowing:
1. Consult interprofessional team to increase effectiveness of swallowing long term (Lewis et al., 2015). Optimize care by collaborating with the interprofessional team. These professionals are qualified in assessment and management of swallowing impairments related to stroke.
2. Crush medications and administer mixed with food for modification of texture to support effective swallowing (Wagner, Hardin-Pierce, & Welsh, 2018). Consult the pharmacist around what pills should not be crushed and substitute medication in liquid form if possible as indicated (Wagner, Hardin-Pierce, & Welsh, 2018).
3. Have suction equipment available at bedside to decrease drooling, salivary buildup (Lewis et al., 2015).
4. Provide periods of adequate rest prior to meals to limit fatigue and promote optimal muscle function (Lewis et al.,

Open Document