Course Code: REL-RTS-0-ENOFGS
Hours: 1
Type: Online Course
Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2028
Learning Objectives:
Identify the purpose, indications, methods, and potential clinical concerns of enteral nutrition.
Recognize signs of readiness for oral intake and apply appropriate screening and evaluation methods within an interdisciplinary, patient-centered framework.
Recall the steps and responsibilities of the speech-language pathologist and the interdisciplinary team for transitioning from enteral to oral nutrition while monitoring for complications.
Outline:
Section 1: Introduction to Enteral Nutrition
Overview of Enteral Nutrition (EN)
What Is EN?
Why This Matters
Clinical Rationale for EN
Concerns with EN
EN Options
Location of the End Tip
Type of Tube
Feeding Methods
Lab Values and Their Role in EN Decisions
Mr. Okoye
Example: Mildred’s PEG Placement and Dysphagia Care
Key Takeaways
Section 2: Assessing Readiness to Return to Oral Feeding
Deciding to Resume Oral Feeding
Team Collaboration
Screening
Recognizing Dysphagia and Aspiration
Recognizing Signs of Readiness for PO Intake
Evaluation
Clinical Bedside Dysphagia Evaluation
Instrumental Dysphagia Examination
Cognitive Assessment
Contributing to the Team Decision
Example: Assessing Howard’s Readiness for Oral Intake
Key Takeaways
Section 3: Transitioning to Oral Feeding
Promoting Safe and Person-Centered Transition to Oral Feeding
Treating Dysphagia
Person-Centered Care
Aspiration Precautions
Protocol for Returning Adults to Oral Feeding
Step 1: Increase Strength, Coordination, Sensation, and Function
Step 2: Schedule EN and Oral Feeding to Enhance Appetite
Step 3: Restore PO Intake of One Meal Per Day
Step 4: Monitor Physical Signs
Step 5: Advance to Two Meals Per Day
Step 6: Advance to Three Meals Per Day
Step 7: Train Family/Staff and Establish a Follow-up Plan
Step 8: Discontinue Dysphagia Therapy
Nutritional Considerations During the Transition
When to Stop EN
Example: Supporting Ellie’s Transition to PO Intake
Key Takeaways
Section 4: Conclusion
Course Summary
Course Information
Course Contributor
Resources
References
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 40 years of experience. She earned 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 has provided care to clients across the lifespan with diverse diagnostic conditions in settings including school, hospital, skilled nursing facility, outpatient clinic, and home health settings. In her previous role as a national clinical director for a contract therapy company, she developed training programs for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology focusing on clinical rehabilitation needs of older adults in post-acute care. Currently, she serves as the Lead Subject Matter Expert Writer for Speech-Language Pathology at Relias, where she leverages her clinical expertise and analysis of published research. 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-Language Pathologists; in the following settings: Rehabilitation Settings.
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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.