Which nursing measure reduces aspiration risk in a patient with dysphagia?

• A. Elevate head of the bed.
• B. Administer IV fluids rapidly.
• C. Encourage large bites of food.
• D. Encourage fluids before meals.

Answer: (A)

Elevating the head of the bed during meals uses gravity to help keep food and secretions from entering the airway and supports safer swallowing. When the patient is upright, the laryngeal structures can close more effectively and the bolus is guided toward the esophagus rather than the trachea, reducing the risk of aspiration. This posture is a frontline safety measure for dysphagia management during and after eating.

Rapid IV fluids don’t influence swallowing safety and don’t protect the airway. Encouraging large bites increases the amount of material needing coordinated swallowing and raises aspiration risk. Fluids before meals can leave more material in the mouth or throat to be aspirated during swallowing, especially if the swallow is impaired.