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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
Vital Signs Monitoring:
- Monitor vital signs per protocol to detect any early signs of respiratory distress.
- Use automated blood pressure and heart rate monitors.
-
Diet Management:
- Provide diet as ordered, ensuring appropriate food textures and fluid consistencies.
- Educate on safe swallowing techniques and appropriate diet choices.
-
Positioning During Meals:
- Ensure the patient is fully upright during meals.
- Supervise during meals to ensure proper posture and safe eating habits.
-
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.
-
Speech Therapy:
- Provide speech therapy as needed to improve swallowing function and reduce aspiration risk.
- Use of speech therapy tools and exercises.
-
Medical Notification:
- Notify MD/RNP/PA of any concerns or signs of aspiration.
- Utilize electronic health records to document and alert medical staff promptly.
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