Performing a dysphagia assessment

A recent study used focus groups to explore the real-life experiences of nurses who undertake oral care. Here are some of the quotes from nurses who participated.

Performing a dysphagia risk assessment is a crucial skill for nurses, ensuring patients at risk of dysphagia are identified promptly for appropriate management. Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, can lead to serious complications such as aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, and dehydration. Here is a structured approach to conducting a dysphagia risk assessment:

01

Patient History

Identify Symptoms: Ask about difficulties with swallowing, coughing or choking while eating or drinking, changes in voice after swallowing, and unexpected weight loss.
Medical History: Look for a history of neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, Parkinson’s disease), head or neck cancers, and any previous episodes of pneumonia.

02

Observation

Observe Swallowing: Offer the patient a variety of consistencies to swallow, starting with saliva, then moving to water, pureed food, and solid food, observing for signs of difficulty.
Physical Signs: Note any coughing, throat clearing, wet voice, or changes in breathing pattern during or after swallowing.

03

Physical Examination

Oral Motor Assessment: Examine the mouth for saliva pooling, dental health, and the condition of the oral mucosa. Assess the strength and coordination of the tongue and other muscles involved in swallowing.
Throat and Neck Check: Look for abnormalities in the structure or function of the throat and neck that could affect swallowing.

04

Functional Assessment

Eating and Drinking Ability: Assess the patient’s ability to eat and drink safely and efficiently, including their ability to use utensils and consume different types of food and liquid.
Nutritional Status: Evaluate the patient’s nutritional status, looking for signs of malnutrition or dehydration.

05

Use Screening Tools

Standardized Screening Tools: Use validated tools like the Swallowing Screening Test or the Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS) to systematically assess dysphagia risk.

06

Collaboration and Referral

Interprofessional Collaboration: Collaborate with speech and language therapists, dietitians, and physicians as needed for comprehensive assessment and management.
Referral: Refer patients at risk or with signs of dysphagia to a speech and language therapist for a detailed swallowing assessment and management plan.

07

Documentation

Record Findings: Document your findings, observations, and any patient complaints or concerns. Include the results of any standardized screening tools used.
Care Plan News: Update the nursing care plan to reflect the assessment findings and any new interventions, monitoring requirements, or dietary modifications.

08

Education

Patient and Caregiver Education: Educate the patient and caregivers about dysphagia, the importance of following recommended dietary modifications, and when to report new or worsening symptoms.

09

Follow-Up

Monitoring: Regularly monitor the patient’s status, especially after changes in treatment or when new symptoms are reported. Adjust the care plan as needed.

This assessment is not exhaustive but provides a comprehensive approach to identifying patients at risk for dysphagia, ensuring timely intervention and management to mitigate risks associated with this condition.

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