What it means
Measures for clients at risk of aspirationas-puh-RAY-shunBreathing food, liquid, saliva or stomach contents into the airway and lungs; also, drawing fluid out with suction or a needle.Full entry , such as those with dysphagiadis-FAY-jee-uhDifficulty swallowing.dys- difficultphag/o eat, swallow-ia conditionFull entry , stroke, a lowered level of consciousness, sedation or tube feedings. They include sitting fully upright to eat and for about 30 minutes after, raising the head of the bed to 30 degrees or more for tube feedings, the diet and liquid thickness the speech-language pathologist orders, small bites and sips, a chin-down swallow, checking the mouth for pocketed food, good oral care and suction at the bedside.
For the nurse
Stay with the client during meals if ordered, and stop the meal and report coughing, choking, a wet or gurgly voice, or a drop in oxygen saturation. Do not give thin liquids or use straws unless the plan allows them.
At a glance
| Also written | aspiration precaution |
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Related terms
aspiration
Breathing food, liquid, saliva or stomach contents into the airway and lungs; also, drawing fluid out with suction or a needle.
pneumonia
An infection of one or both lungs in which the air sacs fill with fluid or pus.
dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing.