For a resident with dysphagia, which feeding approach is correct?

• A. Sit upright, offer small bites, pace feeding, monitor for coughing or choking, stop if symptoms occur; consult supervisor
• B. Feed quickly
• C. Blend all foods into puree
• D. Encourage large bites

Answer: (A)

Protecting the airway during meals is the priority for someone with dysphagia. Sitting the resident upright helps use gravity to move the food toward the esophagus and keeps the airway in a safer position. Offering small bites and pacing the feeding gives the swallowing mechanism time to work, reducing the amount of material in the mouth at once and lowering the risk of residue in the throat that could be aspirated. During the feeding, actively watch for signs of trouble—coughing or choking, a change in voice after swallowing, or repeated throat clearing—which may indicate the swallow isn’t clearing material from the airway. If any symptoms occur, stop feeding right away and consult a supervisor to reassess the plan or make needed adjustments. This approach is safer than rushing feeds, forcing large bites, or using texture changes without professional guidance, as those practices can increase the chance of aspiration or other complications.