Speech Therapy Facts
What is speech therapy's availability?
Daily 8-4, weekends and holidays 8-12
What is Dysphagia?
Swallowing disorder
What is the purpose of swallow screening?
To assess for immediate risk of dysphagia in patients with possible stroke
Should patient be NPO after passing nursing bedside swallow screening?
FALSE- if patient passes nursing screening, they may have a PO diet before evaluated by speech
What is the best way to contact a speech therapist?
Vocera or x5002
How many parts does swallow screening have?
2. Pre dysphagia screening questions and PO trials.
Can screening be repeated?
No! If patient fails, they must remain NPO until evaluated by speech. Doctors are not to override this.
How long does speech therapy have to evaluate patients after receiving an order?
24 hours
Should you call SLP if you make a patient NPO?
If patient was previously on a diet and you make them NPO due to difficulty swallowing, please notify SLP.
What is an example of other services SLP can provide?
Speech, voice, language, cognition, speaking valve
Can patients eat with PEG tube or NGT?
Yes, if a PO diet is also recommended by speech therapy.
Do you keep a patient NPO without changing the diet order?
No! We prioritize our patient's based on their diet order. If you are keeping a patient NPO due to swallowing concerns, please change the order to NPO so we are aware!