Lorraine Poulos

17 Dysphagia Being alert for swallowing changes 1 2 3 4 Know your client’s health baselines: • Understand their chronic conditions that can impact on swallowing • Know their meal routines and allergies • Know their required food and fluid textures Health assessment: • Check their dietary needs for changes • Review medications / consider CNS affecting drugs • Review seating position and aids • Check dentition and oral mucosa • Check food temperature Observations: • Coughing and gagging during meals • Changes to posture • Increased breathlessness while eating • Delayed swallowing • Needing fluids to help swallow food Document in the Client Journal: • Document changes or concerns Guide for consumers, carers and workers