Traumatic Brain Injury, Dysphagia, and the Ethics of Oral Intake

Activity Summary

Required reading for all learners: Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes

TBI is characterized by both cognitive and motor impairment, secondary complications related to chronic illness (headaches, vertigo, seizures), and psychological impacts on both individuals and their loved ones. Individuals suffering from TBI often require acute rehabilitation and long-term assistance with ADLs. Dysphagia, defined as a “swallowing disorder,” is common in individuals with a TBI and increases the risk of mortality and morbidity. Moreover, individuals with dysphagia may incur costs associated with additional health care services, resulting in a higher economic burden. Dysphagia necessitates ongoing, complex management of nutritional needs under the guidance of interdisciplinary teams, including physicians, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and nurses. SLPs play an integral role in evaluating swallowing disorders and offering recommendations for meeting an individual’s nutritional needs safely.

Objectives

Identify considerations for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), including the evaluation and management of dysphagia.
Describe ethical considerations for management of dysphagia and oral intake, including capacity assessment and surrogate decision-making.
Explain how an individual's "capacity for preferences" supports ethical decision-making and patient-family-centered care.

Continuing Education Disclosure Statement

Successful Completion

Learners must complete the entire activity and the associated evaluation to be awarded contact hours AND read Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes. No partial credit will be awarded.

Accreditation

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider number CEP 1036, for 1.00 contact hours.

Disclosure

Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content will be identified by the Nurse Planner within the activity. Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content has been mitigated.

Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing education only and does not imply AACN, ANCC, or CBRN approval or endorsement of any commercial products discussed or displayed in conjunction with this educational activity.

Activities with pharmacology hours are to assist the APRN in fulfilling the pharmacotherapeutic education requirements for licensure and certification renewals.

Activities meet the standards for most states that require mandatory continuing education for license and/or certification renewal. AACN recommends consulting with your own state board of nursing or credentialing organization before submitting your certificate of completion.

Refund Policy

Continuing Education Activities are nonrefundable.