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
1. 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
Which of the following nursing actions helps reduce the risk of aspiration?Upright positioning decreases the risk for aspiration. Instruct in signs and symptoms of aspiration. Information helps in appropriate assessment of high-risk situations and determination of when to call for further evaluation.
What nursing actions should the nurse take to administer medications safely?Nurses' Six Rights for Safe Medication Administration. THE RIGHT TO A COMPLETE AND CLEARLY WRITTEN ORDER. ... . THE RIGHT TO HAVE THE CORRECT DRUG ROUTE AND DOSE DISPENSED. ... . THE RIGHT TO HAVE ACCESS TO INFORMATION. ... . THE RIGHT TO HAVE POLICIES ON MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION.. What are the nursing responsibilities when administering medications?Nurses' responsibility for medication administration includes ensuring that the right medication is properly drawn up in the correct dose, and administered at the right time through the right route to the right patient. To limit or reduce the risk of administration errors, many hospitals employ a single-dose system.
How do you administer medication to a patient with dysphagia?One option for patients who struggle to take medications with liquid, but are prescribed medications that cannot be crushed, is to bury the pill in a small amount of pudding or applesauce.
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