Praxis SLP Licensure Exam

After a bedside swallow evaluation, what treatment approach is suitable for a patient on a soft solid/nectar thick liquid diet?

1. Meals of soft solids and nectar thick liquids

2. Therapeutic trials of advanced soft solids

3. Advanced soft solids and thin liquids trials

4. Oral motor exercises only

The correct answer is: Therapeutic trials of advanced soft solids

The treatment approach suitable for a patient on a soft solid/nectar thick liquid diet after a bedside swallow evaluation is focused on the progression of the diet. Opting for therapeutic trials of advanced soft solids allows for assessment of the patient's ability to manage foods that are slightly more challenging while still being within a safe range for swallowing. This approach aims to promote functional eating skills and gradually prepare the patient for a more varied diet, helping to determine if they can safely handle a broader range of textures. This option emphasizes the importance of carefully monitoring and assessing the patient's swallowing capabilities as they progress to advanced soft solids. It recognizes that patients may need support to transition safely between diet levels while preventing aspiration or other complications. The emphasis on trials also implies ongoing evaluation, which is crucial in tailoring dietary recommendations based on each patient's unique needs. Other options do not effectively address the goal of progressing the patient's diet safely and systematically. For instance, sticking strictly to meals of soft solids and nectar thick liquids could limit the patient's dietary experience without promoting advancement. Simultaneously, trials of advanced soft solids with thin liquids may pose a risk, as the thinner consistency can increase the chances of aspiration in patients with swallowing difficulties. Finally, focusing solely on oral motor exercises does not provide the necessary