What airway management step should be performed for all stroke patients?

What airway management step should be performed for all stroke patients?

• A. Intubation on admission
• B. NPO until swallow screen is complete
• C. Start diuretics to reduce edema
• D. Swallow screen should be performed on all stroke patients

Answer: (D)

Assessing swallowing early in stroke care is essential for airway protection. Dysphagia is common after a stroke, and without screening, food or liquid can misroute into the airway, raising the risk of aspiration pneumonia and respiratory problems. A swallow screen performed on all stroke patients quickly determines whether it’s safe for them to take anything by mouth or if they should remain NPO and receive alternative feeding until a full swallow evaluation confirms safety. This screening guides immediate and future decisions about oral intake and airway safety. Intubation on admission is not routinely required for every stroke patient, and starting diuretics isn’t an airway management step. The key practice is to screen swallowing for all stroke patients to inform how to protect the airway and manage nutrition.

Assessing swallowing early in stroke care is essential for airway protection. Dysphagia is common after a stroke, and without screening, food or liquid can misroute into the airway, raising the risk of aspiration pneumonia and respiratory problems. A swallow screen performed on all stroke patients quickly determines whether it’s safe for them to take anything by mouth or if they should remain NPO and receive alternative feeding until a full swallow evaluation confirms safety. This screening guides immediate and future decisions about oral intake and airway safety. Intubation on admission is not routinely required for every stroke patient, and starting diuretics isn’t an airway management step. The key practice is to screen swallowing for all stroke patients to inform how to protect the airway and manage nutrition.