What it means
Also called a speech-language pathologist (SLP). In the hospital, a big part of the role is testing swallowing in clients with dysphagiadis-FAY-jee-uhDifficulty swallowing.dys- difficultphag/o eat, swallow-ia conditionFull entry , for example after a strokestrohkSudden damage to part of the brain because its blood supply is blocked or a blood vessel in it bursts.Full entry , and recommending safe food and liquid textures and swallowing techniques. They also help clients with dysphasiadis-FAY-zhuhDifficulty speaking or understanding spoken or written language, caused by damage to the brain.dys- difficult-phasia speechFull entry or slurred speech after brain injury, voice problems, stuttering and children's language delays.
For the nurse
A client who coughs, chokes or has a wet-sounding voice when eating needs a swallow assessment; keep them NPO and ask for a referral as the facility directs. Follow the diet texture and feeding instructions the speech therapist gives.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | SLP; ST |
|---|---|
| Spanish | logopeda, terapeuta del habla |
| Also written | speech therapists, speech-language pathologist, speech-language pathologists, SLP |
Related terms
referral
Sending a client to another professional, service or agency for care or help that they need.
aspiration
Breathing food, liquid, saliva or stomach contents into the airway and lungs; also, drawing fluid out with suction or a needle.
dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing.
dysphasia
Difficulty speaking or understanding spoken or written language, caused by damage to the brain.
stroke
Sudden damage to part of the brain because its blood supply is blocked or a blood vessel in it bursts.