SLP Swallowing and Feeding Disorders 2

Question 1

A patient with Parkinson's disease presents with reduced tongue base retraction and pharyngeal residue after the swallow. Which compensatory strategy is MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Effortful swallow

Answer

The effortful swallow increases posterior tongue base movement and helps clear pharyngeal residue, directly targeting the impairment in Parkinson's disease.

Question 2

During a modified barium swallow study (MBSS), the clinician observes contrast material entering the airway before the swallow is triggered. This finding is classified as:

Accepted Answer

Pre-swallow aspiration

Answer

Material entering the airway before the pharyngeal swallow is triggered is called pre-swallow (or pre-deglutitive) aspiration, typically due to reduced lingual control or premature spillage.

Question 3

Which structure acts as the primary sphincter protecting the airway during the pharyngeal phase of swallowing?

Accepted Answer

True vocal folds

Answer

The true vocal folds form the primary sphincter of airway protection during swallowing, with the false folds and aryepiglottic folds providing secondary protection.

Question 4

A 6-month-old infant who was born prematurely demonstrates arching away from the bottle, limited lip seal, and frequent coughing during feeds. The MOST likely contributing factor is:

Accepted Answer

Physiologic disorganization from prematurity

Answer

Premature infants often have physiologic disorganization characterized by immature coordination of suck-swallow-breathe, leading to feeding difficulties and coughing.

Question 5

The Mendelsohn maneuver is designed to improve swallowing function primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Prolonging laryngeal elevation to improve UES opening

Answer

The Mendelsohn maneuver involves voluntarily sustaining laryngeal elevation at its peak, which prolongs UES opening and improves bolus passage through the pharyngoesophageal segment.

SLP - Speech-Language Pathology Practice Test

SLP - Speech-Language Pathology Practice Test

SLP Swallowing and Feeding Disorders 2