Diagnostic Procedures & Interpretation Flashcards

Which diagnostic procedure is most commonly regarded as the gold standard for detecting silent aspiration in an older adult with dysphagia?

Answer: Videofluoroscopic swallow study

Videofluoroscopic swallow study (modified barium swallow) visualizes all swallow phases and detects aspiration with no cough response.

A key advantage of fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) over videofluoroscopy for frail residents is that FEES:

Answer: Can be done at bedside without radiation

FEES is portable, avoids radiation, and allows direct view of secretions and pharyngeal residue.

Using EWGSOP2 criteria, which handgrip strength cutoff indicates low muscle strength in an older woman?

Answer: <16 kg

EWGSOP2 defines low grip strength as <27 kg for men and <16 kg for women.

After low muscle strength is found, which method is most often used to confirm low muscle quantity for a sarcopenia diagnosis?

Answer: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry of appendicular lean mass

DXA-measured appendicular skeletal muscle mass is a widely accepted method for confirming low muscle quantity.

Bioelectrical impedance analysis results are least reliable in an older adult with:

Answer: Bilateral lower-extremity edema

BIA assumes normal hydration, so fluid overload such as edema distorts lean mass estimates.

A bedbound resident with kyphosis cannot stand for height measurement. Which measurement is most appropriate for estimating stature?

Answer: Knee height with Chumlea equation

Knee height changes little with age and is used in Chumlea equations to estimate height in nonambulatory older adults.

On the Mini Nutritional Assessment, which calf circumference suggests reduced muscle mass in an older adult?

Answer: <31 cm

The MNA uses a calf circumference below 31 cm as an indicator of muscle loss.