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Swallow assessment

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

In order to properly assess a patient's ability to swallow they should be sat upright.

Give the patient a teaspoon of water to drink.

The patient fails if:

  • the water comes straight out of the mouth
  • the patient fails to swallow at all

Otherwise a second and third teaspoon of water are given.

The patient fails if at any stage there is:

  • coughing
  • choking
  • breathlessness
  • wet voice

Otherwise a half glass of water is given.

The patient fails for the above reasons.

If the patient passes the test then they are allowed to eat and drink freely. Observe the patient eating solids. Repeat the assessment if the patient deteriorates.

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