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 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; Medical Providers; Nursing Personnel; Respiratory Therapists; in the following settings: Hospitals: Acute.
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.