For a patient with dysphagia and intact cognition, what treatment technique is recommended to improve bolus control?

For a patient with dysphagia and intact cognition, what treatment technique is recommended to improve bolus control?

• A. Provide a puree diet
• B. Flex head forward during swallowing
• C. Turn head to the right while swallowing
• D. Provide thin liquids only

Answer: (B)

For a patient with dysphagia and intact cognition, flexing the head forward during swallowing is a recommended technique to enhance bolus control. This position, often referred to as the chin-tuck position, helps manage the trajectory of the food or liquid as it moves through the oropharynx. By tucking the chin down towards the chest, the airway is protected during swallowing, and the pharyngeal space is narrowed, which can facilitate better control of the bolus as it proceeds toward the esophagus. This technique can assist in reducing the risk of aspiration and can help patients with issues related to weak swallow reflexes or delayed swallow initiation. It encourages a more coordinated swallowing pattern while fostering the patient's ability to manage their intake safely. In contrast, providing a puree diet may change the consistency of the bolus but does not necessarily improve control over the swallowing process itself. Turning the head to the right while swallowing might be useful in specific cases of unilateral weakness but is not a general recommendation for all patients. Offering thin liquids only could increase the risk of aspiration in someone with dysphagia, as thin liquids are harder to control and may lead to complications if the swallowing mechanism is impaired. Thus, the forward flexion of the head during

For a patient with dysphagia and intact cognition, flexing the head forward during swallowing is a recommended technique to enhance bolus control. This position, often referred to as the chin-tuck position, helps manage the trajectory of the food or liquid as it moves through the oropharynx. By tucking the chin down towards the chest, the airway is protected during swallowing, and the pharyngeal space is narrowed, which can facilitate better control of the bolus as it proceeds toward the esophagus.

This technique can assist in reducing the risk of aspiration and can help patients with issues related to weak swallow reflexes or delayed swallow initiation. It encourages a more coordinated swallowing pattern while fostering the patient's ability to manage their intake safely.

In contrast, providing a puree diet may change the consistency of the bolus but does not necessarily improve control over the swallowing process itself. Turning the head to the right while swallowing might be useful in specific cases of unilateral weakness but is not a general recommendation for all patients. Offering thin liquids only could increase the risk of aspiration in someone with dysphagia, as thin liquids are harder to control and may lead to complications if the swallowing mechanism is impaired. Thus, the forward flexion of the head during