Swallowing problems/Dysphagia checklist:
Does patient have history of swallowing problems? | Yes/No |
Does patient have a history of pneumonia? | Yes/No |
Does the patient take longer than three seconds to swallow? | Yes/No |
Does patient still have food remaining in mouth after several attempts to swallow? | Yes/No |
Does the patient appear to choke, gag or cough when swallowing thin liquids or solid food? | Yes/No |
Does the patient take several attempts to swallow? | Yes/No |
Does the patient seem to pocket food on either side of his mouth? | Yes/No |
Does the patient drool wither at rest or after taking a drink? | Yes/No |
Does the patient have a wet, gurgly to his/her voice before or after swallowing? | Yes/No |
Does the patient have rales or rhonchi upon auscultation? | Yes/No |
IF "YES" IS ANSWERED TO ANY OF THESE QUESTIONS, A SPEECH CONSULTATION SHOULD BE MADE BEFORE CONTINUING P.O. FEEDING.