Preventing Aspiration in Vulnerable Populations

Course Code: REL-ACU-0-PAVP

Hours: 1

Type: Online Course

Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2026

Learning Objectives:
Identify the stages of normal swallowing and how they can be disrupted.
Identify risk factors for aspiration.
Describe strategies to reduce the risk of aspiration.

Outline:
Section 1: Introduction

About This Course

Learning Objectives

Section 2: Swallowing and Aspiration

Who is at Risk?

Swallowing

Aspiration

Risk Factors

Signs and Symptoms

Consequences of Aspiration

Aspiration Pneumonitis

Aspiration Pneumonia

Pneumonitis vs. Pneumonia

Section 3: Risk Factors for Dysphagia

Advanced Age

Dysphagia

Impaired Mental Status

Cognitive Dysfunction

Pulmonary Support

Enteral Feeding

Medication History

Section 4: Screening for Dysphagia

Screening Overview

How to Screen

Screening Tools

Instrumental Swallow Assessments

Section 5: Preventing Aspiration

Strategies for Oral Intake

Specialized Diets

Nutritional Status

Oral Care

Endotracheal and Tracheostomy Tubes

Tube Feedings

Interdisciplinary Approach

Section 6: Clinical Vignette

Meet Miguel

Section 7: Conclusion

Course Summary

Course Contributor

Resources

References

Writer: Cathryn Ayers, RN

Cathryn Ayers, RN, MSN has nearly 10 years of critical care experience. She was active in multiple committees to improve patient safety, executed staff education activities, and managed the new graduate orientation program for those entering intensive care units. Cathryn obtained a license for massage and bodywork therapy in 2012 and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2016 with a Master of Science in Nursing Education. She has provided telephonic case management services and developed program materials to facilitate positive outcomes for people with rare conditions across the United States. Cathryn has a passion for teaching and helping others to be their best.

Subject Matter Expert: Susan Almon-Matangos, MS, CCC-SLP

Susan Almon-Matangos, MS, CCC-SLP, is a certified and licensed speech-language pathologist with over 30 years of experience. She obtained her bachelor's degree in psychology from Jacksonville State University and her Master of Science degree in speech-language pathology from The University of Alabama. She worked with clients of all ages and a variety of diagnostic conditions in school, hospital, skilled nursing facility, outpatient clinic, and home health settings. In her previous role as a national clinical director for Aegis Therapies, she created training programs for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology related to the clinical rehabilitation needs of older adults in post-acute care. She currently draws upon her expertise in her role at Relias as Lead Subject Matter Expert Writer for Speech-Language Pathology. She is a certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Introductory level Speech and Language Pathologists; Nurses; Physicians; Respiratory Therapists; in the following settings: Acute Care Facility.

Relias Learning will be transparent in disclosing if any commercial support, sponsorship or co-providership is present prior to the learner completing the course.

Relias Learning has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias Learning will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias Learning at support@reliaslearning.com.

All courses offered by Relias Learning, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.

To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.

Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.