Care Plan for Dysphagia
Category: Gastrointestinal
Assessment
Patient presents with difficulty swallowing, coughing during meals, and risk of aspiration.
Diagnosis
Risk for aspiration related to impaired swallowing.
Goals
Patient will maintain adequate nutritional status and be free from aspiration pneumonia. Patient will demonstrate safe swallowing techniques during meals.
Interventions
Monitor patient's ability to swallow and assess for signs of aspiration. Refer patient to a speech therapist for swallow evaluation and therapy. Educate patient and caregivers on safe swallowing techniques and dietary modifications. Provide small, frequent meals with appropriate consistency (thickened liquids, pureed foods).
Rationale
These interventions help prevent aspiration, ensure adequate nutrition, and promote safe swallowing.
Evaluation
Patient's nutritional status, swallowing ability, and risk of aspiration will be monitored to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
🚀 Interactive Learning Tools
💡 Study Tips for This Care Plan
Always connect nursing interventions to their scientific rationale
Practice writing SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound
Use this care plan as a template, but always individualize for each patient
Create concept maps linking related conditions and interventions
Practice with NCLEX-style questions to test your understanding
⚠️ Educational Care Plan Notice
This care plan is for educational purposes only and represents general nursing concepts.
All care plans must be individualized based on:
- Individual patient assessment and current condition
- Healthcare provider orders and facility protocols
- Current evidence-based practice guidelines
- Nursing scope of practice in your jurisdiction
Do not use as direct patient care instructions. Always follow your facility's policies, physician orders, and professional nursing judgment.