SLP Swallowing & Dysphagia Management 2

Question 1

A patient with Parkinson's disease presents with festinating swallowing and reduced tongue base retraction. Which compensatory strategy is MOST appropriate as a first-line intervention?

Accepted Answer

Effortful swallow

Answer

The effortful swallow increases tongue base retraction and posterior pharyngeal wall pressure, directly targeting the impaired biomechanics seen in Parkinson's disease.

Question 2

During a Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS), penetration to the laryngeal vestibule is observed with thin liquids but the material is immediately expelled. How is this classified using the Penetration-Aspiration Scale?

Accepted Answer

Score of 2 — material enters the airway, remains above the cords, and is ejected

Answer

A PAS score of 2 indicates material enters the airway above the vocal folds and is successfully expelled, representing penetration without aspiration.

Question 3

A 78-year-old patient post-CVA demonstrates silent aspiration of thin liquids on MBSS. Which thickened liquid consistency per IDDSI Level is typically trialed FIRST?

Accepted Answer

IDDSI Level 2 (Mildly Thick)

Answer

IDDSI Level 2 (Mildly Thick / nectar consistency) is typically the first thickened liquid trialed because it slows bolus flow while maintaining relative palatability.

Question 4

Which pharyngeal phase landmark indicates the onset of the pharyngeal swallow response during videofluoroscopic study?

Accepted Answer

Velopharyngeal closure

Answer

Velopharyngeal closure marks the onset of the pharyngeal swallow response, as it prevents nasal regurgitation and signals the beginning of pharyngeal stage events.

Question 5

A patient with head and neck cancer post-radiation presents with cricopharyngeal dysfunction. FEES reveals residue in the pyriform sinuses bilaterally after swallowing. Which intervention targets the cricopharyngeal muscle MOST directly?

Accepted Answer

Shaker exercise (head lift)

Answer

The Shaker (head-raising) exercise strengthens the suprahyoid musculature, which pulls the cricopharyngeus open during swallowing, directly targeting UES dysfunction.

(SLP) Speech-Language Pathologist Certified Practice Test

(SLP) Speech-Language Pathologist Certified Practice Test

SLP Swallowing & Dysphagia Management 2