Dysphagia Screenings and Bedside
Swallow Assessment with complete
questions and correct answers
Screening - Correct Answer: Should be quick, low risk, low cost
Answers questions: Does the patient have a high risk for dysphagia or aspiration or signs of dysphagia or
aspiration? Is a bedside swallow assessment (BSE) warranted?
Pass/fail
Based on history, diagnosis, & current presentation
Should have a chart review & observation component
Sometimes performed by SLP, but some protocols have a nurse perform the screening
Stroke Protocol - Correct Answer: All patients with stroke symptoms in a Primary Stroke Center are
mandated to have a swallow evaluation by an SLP within 24 hours
A screening can be completed prior to the BSE. Can be done by Nursing or physician
If he/she passes the screening, a modified diet is initiated until the SLP completes the BSE
If he/she fails the nurses screening, they remain NPO until seen by the SLP
Why is the chart review so important? - Correct Answer: If you are in a hurry & skip the chart review,
here are some things that could happen:
, Patient stops breathing & you don't know his/her code status
You are giving the patient food and & unaware that he/she is diabetic
You feed the patient & are unaware that he is NPO for a test
Chart review helps you to determine when/how to proceed with the BSE
What information does a chart review give you? - Correct Answer: -medical history
-reason for referral
-Signs & symptoms of dysphagia
-Nutrition/Hydration (current diet, dietary restrictions)
-Medications
-Respiratory Status
-Social information
-Other Evaluations that have occurred
Signs & symptoms of dysphagia - Correct Answer: Drooling/increased secretions
Coughing/choking
Pocketing
Pneumonia
Changes in diet
Patient complaint
Dehydration
Reflux
Patient Interview - Correct Answer: Ask patient or family for a description of the problem
Establish what are new symptoms and what the patient's baseline is
Swallow Assessment with complete
questions and correct answers
Screening - Correct Answer: Should be quick, low risk, low cost
Answers questions: Does the patient have a high risk for dysphagia or aspiration or signs of dysphagia or
aspiration? Is a bedside swallow assessment (BSE) warranted?
Pass/fail
Based on history, diagnosis, & current presentation
Should have a chart review & observation component
Sometimes performed by SLP, but some protocols have a nurse perform the screening
Stroke Protocol - Correct Answer: All patients with stroke symptoms in a Primary Stroke Center are
mandated to have a swallow evaluation by an SLP within 24 hours
A screening can be completed prior to the BSE. Can be done by Nursing or physician
If he/she passes the screening, a modified diet is initiated until the SLP completes the BSE
If he/she fails the nurses screening, they remain NPO until seen by the SLP
Why is the chart review so important? - Correct Answer: If you are in a hurry & skip the chart review,
here are some things that could happen:
, Patient stops breathing & you don't know his/her code status
You are giving the patient food and & unaware that he/she is diabetic
You feed the patient & are unaware that he is NPO for a test
Chart review helps you to determine when/how to proceed with the BSE
What information does a chart review give you? - Correct Answer: -medical history
-reason for referral
-Signs & symptoms of dysphagia
-Nutrition/Hydration (current diet, dietary restrictions)
-Medications
-Respiratory Status
-Social information
-Other Evaluations that have occurred
Signs & symptoms of dysphagia - Correct Answer: Drooling/increased secretions
Coughing/choking
Pocketing
Pneumonia
Changes in diet
Patient complaint
Dehydration
Reflux
Patient Interview - Correct Answer: Ask patient or family for a description of the problem
Establish what are new symptoms and what the patient's baseline is
