A Decision Guide for Assessing the Recently Extubated Patient’s Readiness for Safe Oral Intake

Activity Summary

Required reading for all learners: Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes

A review of the literature was conducted to determine potential risk factors for dysphagia following extubation and developed a guide based on a number of those factors or indicators as referred to in this article. Implementation of a guide on a medical intensive care unit (MICU) was completed including tracking of the utilization rate as well as the number of referrals to speech-language pathology (SLP) for swallowing assessment. The guide was used successfully because there was a reduction in potentially unnecessary referrals for SLP assessment during the project study period. Utilization of the guide improved efficiency and clarity in decision making on this MICU and this practice could be implemented in other units.

Objectives

Describe health risk factors associated with extubation and dysphagia.
Identify key indicators for when patients should be referred to speech-language pathology (SLP) for post-extubation swallowing assessment.
Describe how to use a post-extubation swallowing decision guide in a medical intensive care unit.

Continuing Education Disclosure Statement

Successful Completion

Learners must attend/view/read the entire activity and complete the associated evaluation to be awarded the contact hours or CERP. No partial credit will be awarded.

Disclosure

This activity has been reviewed by the Nurse Planner. It has been determined that the material presented here shows no bias. No conflicts of interest have been identified for any individual with the ability to influence the content of this activity. Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing education only and does not imply AACN or ANCC approval or endorsement of any commercial products discussed or displayed in conjunction with this educational activity.

Accreditation

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC's) Commission on Accreditation, ANCC Provider Number 0012. AACN has been approved as a provider of continuing education in nursing by the California State Board of Nursing (CBRN), California Provider number CEP 1036. This activity is approved for 1.00 contact hours.

AACN programming meets the standards for most states that require mandatory continuing education contact hours for license and/or certification renewal. AACN recommends consulting with your state board of nursing or credentialing organization before submitting CE to fulfill continuing education requirements.

Refund Policy

Continuing Education Activities are nonrefundable.