Dysphagia Risks and Nutrition: Legal Implications of Inadequate Patient Care

Nutrition and swallowing issues, particularly dysphagia, are critical areas of patient care that carry significant legal risks if not properly managed. Ensuring patient safety in these areas is essential for both patient well-being and your nursing license.

Identifying Dysphagia Risk

Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, can lead to choking, aspiration, and pneumonia, which are serious and potentially life-threatening complications. Assess your patients regularly for signs of dysphagia, especially those with neurological conditions, after surgeries, or the elderly.

Solution: Implement a standardized dysphagia screening process for at-risk patients. Ensure that you document all assessments and any referrals to speech therapy or dietary consultations.

The Importance of Suction Availability

For patients at risk of choking, having suction equipment readily available is a must. Ensuring this equipment is in every room where it’s needed—and knowing how to use it—can prevent severe outcomes and protect you legally.

Solution: Make it a habit to check that suction equipment is available and functional in all patient rooms where it's required. Document any issues with the equipment and your efforts to resolve them.

Documenting Dysphagia and Nutrition Care

Every time you assess a patient for dysphagia or provide nutrition-related care, document it. Include details such as patient education on dietary restrictions, referrals to speech therapy, and any incidents where suction was used.

Solution: Keep detailed records of all nutritional assessments, interventions, and patient education. If a patient requires suctioning or experiences choking, document the event thoroughly, including your response.

Legal Risks

If a patient suffers complications due to dysphagia and sues, your documentation and the steps you took to ensure their safety will be under the microscope. Without clear, thorough records, your license could be at risk.

Solution: Stay vigilant in your assessments and documentation. Work closely with your interdisciplinary team to ensure comprehensive care for patients with dysphagia risks.

For more strategies on safeguarding your nursing license, visit educationalnurse.com.