Aspiration occurs when food, secretions, fluids, or other substances enter the airways or lungs. When you swallow, the epiglottis should close over the trachea which prevents food or fluids from entering the trachea (often called the windpipe). If this mechanism fails, unintended substances can end up in the lungs which can cause complications such as aspiration pneumonia. Sometimes gastric contents can also reflux which causes stomach contents to regurgitate into the esophagus. Symptoms such as vomiting and belching can cause aspiration in vulnerable patients. Show Older adults, those with a compromised airway or impaired gag reflexes, or the presence of oral, nasal, or gastric tubes are at an increased risk. Aspiration causes choking, respiratory complications, infections, and can be fatal if not quickly recognized and treated. Prevention is the first step as the nurse should assess for risk factors prior to feeding or medicating patients and institute aspiration precautions for those with swallowing difficulties.
Note: A risk diagnosis is not evidenced by signs and symptoms as the problem has not yet occurred and the goal of nursing interventions are aimed at prevention. Expected Outcomes
Nursing Assessment for Risk For Aspiration1. Identify patients at an increased risk for aspiration. 2. Determine level of consciousness. 3. Assess gag reflex and ability to safely swallow. 4. Monitor for signs of aspiration after oral intake. 5. Monitor for tubes that increase aspiration risk. 6. Auscultate lung sounds and assess respiratory status. Nursing Interventions for Risk For Aspiration1. Keep suctioning equipment at the bedside. 2. Performing suctioning as necessary. 3. Keep the head of the bed elevated after feeding. 4. Implement other feeding techniques. 5. Consult with speech therapy. 6. Follow diet modifications. 7. Position properly. 8. Educate about conditions that can cause aspiration. 9. Request medication formulation changes. 10. Monitor tube-feeding patients closely. 11. Provide mouth care. References and Sources
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This information explains what you can do to prevent aspiration when you’re eating, drinking, or tube feeding.
About AspirationAspiration is when food or liquid goes into your airway instead of your esophagus. Your esophagus is the tube that carries food and liquid from your mouth to your stomach. Aspiration can happen when you’re eating, drinking, or tube feeding. It can also happen when you’re vomiting (throwing up) or when you have heartburn. You may be at risk of aspiration if you have trouble swallowing. This is because food or liquid can get stuck in the back of your throat and go into your airway. Aspiration can lead to pneumonia, respiratory infections (infections in your nose, throat, or lungs), and other health problems. Signs of aspirationSigns of aspiration include:
You and your caregiver should watch for these signs before, during, and after you eat, drink, or tube feed. If you have any of these signs, stop eating, drinking, or tube feeding. Call your healthcare provider right away. Preventing AspirationFollow these guidelines to prevent aspiration when you’re eating and drinking by mouth:
Follow these guidelines to prevent aspiration if you’re tube feeding:
Pacing Your FeedingsTo help prevent aspiration, it’s important to pace your feedings. Follow the guidelines below during your feedings to make sure you’re not taking in more than you can digest:
If you have any questions, call your Clinical Dietitian Nutritionist at 212-639-7312 or Nutrition Advanced Practice Provider (APP) at 212-639-6984. When to Contact Your Healthcare ProviderContact your healthcare provider if you have any of the following:
If you’re having problems breathing or any other emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room right away. Last UpdatedTuesday, July 12, 2022 |