NURSE-3101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 13: Odynophagia, Dentures, Dietitian
Document Summary
Recent changes in appetite; loss of appetite. Difficulty chewing (condition of teeth; use of dentures). Aspiration: misdirection of oropharyngeal secretions/gastric contents into larynx/lower respiratory tract. High risk: decreased alertness; decreased gag/cough reflex; difficulty managing saliva; stroke; neuromuscular disorders. When swallowing, look for watery eyes, difficulty swallowing, coughing, choking: no symptoms if silent aspiration. Try a little drink of water or a small amount of soft food like mashed potatoes. Delay non-urgent procedures so patient can eat. Patient may eat foods from home if compatible with diet: teach family what is ok. If patient absent from room during meal, order late tray or keep food warm until patient returns. Let pts eat together if the setting permits it. Know how much your patient eats and how your patient eats. Work with dietary to get patient food which fits their diet and their preferences. Consult the dietician: can alter diet and work with patient to find likes and dislikes.
