Aspiration

Care Plan for Aspiration

Category / Primary Body System:

Respiratory System

Problem:

I am at risk for aspiration.

Goal:

I will be free from episodes of aspiration for the next 90 days.

Plan/Approach:

1. Monitoring for Aspiration:

   • Step-by-Step Approach: Staff will monitor for signs and symptoms of aspiration, such as choking and shortness of breath (SOB).
   • Technological Aids: Use of pulse oximetry to monitor oxygen saturation levels.

2. Head of Bed (HOB) Elevation:

   • Step-by-Step Approach: Keep the head of bed elevated to reduce the risk of aspiration.
   • Monitoring Strategies: Regular checks to ensure the bed position is correct.

3. Vital Signs Monitoring:

   • Step-by-Step Approach: Monitor vital signs per protocol to detect any early signs of respiratory distress.
   • Technological Aids: Use automated blood pressure and heart rate monitors.

4. Diet Management:

   • Step-by-Step Approach: Provide diet as ordered, ensuring appropriate food textures and fluid consistencies.
   • Educational Efforts: Educate on safe swallowing techniques and appropriate diet choices.

5. Positioning During Meals:

   • Step-by-Step Approach: Ensure the patient is fully upright during meals.
   • Monitoring Strategies: Supervise during meals to ensure proper posture and safe eating habits.

6. Out of Bed (OOB) Activities:

   • Step-by-Step Approach: Encourage out of bed activities as tolerated to enhance mobility and reduce the risk of aspiration.
   • Engagement in Diversional Activities: Engage in activities that promote mobility and overall health.

7. Speech Therapy:

   • Step-by-Step Approach: Provide speech therapy as needed to improve swallowing function and reduce aspiration risk.
   • Technological Aids: Use of speech therapy tools and exercises.

8. Medical Notification:

   • Step-by-Step Approach: Notify MD/RNP/PA of any concerns or signs of aspiration.
   • Technological Aids: Utilize electronic health records to document and alert medical staff promptly.

Rationale:

• Monitoring for Aspiration: Early detection of aspiration signs can prevent complications.
• Head of Bed (HOB) Elevation: Keeping the head of the bed elevated reduces the risk of food or fluids entering the lungs.
• Vital Signs Monitoring: Monitoring vital signs helps detect respiratory distress early.
• Diet Management: Proper diet management ensures safe swallowing and reduces aspiration risk.
• Positioning During Meals: Sitting upright during meals helps prevent aspiration.
• Out of Bed (OOB) Activities: Mobility reduces the risk of aspiration by improving overall health.
• Speech Therapy: Enhances swallowing function and safety.
• Medical Notification: Prompt communication with healthcare providers ensures timely interventions.

Actions:

1. Monitoring for Aspiration:

   • Staff will monitor for signs and symptoms of aspiration, such as choking and shortness of breath (SOB).
   • Use pulse oximetry to monitor oxygen saturation levels.

2. Head of Bed (HOB) Elevation:

   • Keep the head of bed elevated to reduce the risk of aspiration.
   • Regular checks to ensure the bed position is correct.

3. Vital Signs Monitoring:

   • Monitor vital signs per protocol to detect any early signs of respiratory distress.
   • Use automated blood pressure and heart rate monitors.

4. Diet Management:

   • Provide diet as ordered, ensuring appropriate food textures and fluid consistencies.
   • Educate on safe swallowing techniques and appropriate diet choices.

5. Positioning During Meals:

   • Ensure the patient is fully upright during meals.
   • Supervise during meals to ensure proper posture and safe eating habits.

6. Out of Bed (OOB) Activities:

   • Encourage out of bed activities as tolerated to enhance mobility and reduce the risk of aspiration.
   • Engage in activities that promote mobility and overall health.

7. Speech Therapy:

   • Provide speech therapy as needed to improve swallowing function and reduce aspiration risk.
   • Use of speech therapy tools and exercises.

8. Medical Notification:

   • Notify MD/RNP/PA of any concerns or signs of aspiration.
   • Utilize electronic health records to document and alert medical staff promptly.