Praxis SLP Licensure Exam

A patient with flaccid dysarthria shows mild hypernasality. What intervention might be most beneficial?

1. Fit the patient with a palatal lift

2. Teach the patient to speak with increased effort

3. Strengthen the velopharyngeal muscles with non-speech exercises

4. Improve closure through pharyngeal flap surgery

The correct answer is: Teach the patient to speak with increased effort

In the case of a patient with flaccid dysarthria who exhibits mild hypernasality, teaching the patient to speak with increased effort can be particularly beneficial. Increased speaking effort can help enhance overall speech intelligibility and reduce the impact of hypernasality by encouraging the individual to utilize other features of their speech production, such as increased vocal intensity or improved articulation. This strategy can often assist individuals who have reduced muscle tone or strength in the speech musculature, which is characteristic of flaccid dysarthria. The other options may not address the immediate needs of the patient as effectively. A palatal lift is more appropriate for cases with significant hypernasality due to severe velopharyngeal incompetence, while strengthening exercises with non-speech tasks may not translate well to functional speech improvements. Pharyngeal flap surgery is typically reserved for more severe cases and involves a more invasive approach that may not be warranted at this stage of mild hypernasality. Increasing the speaking effort is a practical first step in managing the communication difficulties associated with this condition.