CSG Dysphagia & Swallowing Disorders

Question 1

Which phase of swallowing is most commonly impaired in older adults with neurological conditions such as stroke or Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Pharyngeal phase

Answer

The pharyngeal phase is most commonly impaired in neurological dysphagia because it depends on coordinated cranial nerve signaling that is frequently disrupted by stroke or Parkinson's disease.

Question 2

The International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) framework categorizes foods and liquids into how many levels?

Accepted Answer

8 levels (0–7)

Answer

IDDSI uses 8 levels (0–7), ranging from thin liquids (Level 0) to regular foods (Level 7), providing a universal standard for dysphagia diet textures.

Question 3

Which condition is the single most common cause of oropharyngeal dysphagia in older adults in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Stroke

Answer

Stroke is the most common cause of oropharyngeal dysphagia, affecting approximately 50–80% of acute stroke patients due to disruption of cortical and brainstem swallowing centers.

Question 4

The 'chin tuck' compensatory maneuver during swallowing is designed primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Narrow the laryngeal vestibule to reduce aspiration risk

Answer

The chin tuck positions the epiglottis more posteriorly and narrows the laryngeal vestibule, increasing airway protection and reducing the risk of aspiration during the pharyngeal phase.

Question 5

Aspiration pneumonia secondary to dysphagia in older adults is most commonly caused by which source of organisms?

Accepted Answer

Mixed anaerobes from oropharyngeal flora

Answer

Aspiration pneumonia in dysphagia results primarily from aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions containing mixed anaerobes and gram-negative bacteria colonizing the mouth and throat.

CSG - Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition Practice Test

CSG - Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition Practice Test

CSG Dysphagia & Swallowing Disorders