Final answer:
A nursing assistant would suspect a patient has a swallowing problem if they notice symptoms like respiratory distress, shortness of breath, wheezes or stridor, hoarseness, pain with swallowing, abnormal sputum, coughing, and signs of choking such as inability to speak or breathe properly.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nursing assistant would suspect that one of her patients is having a problem with swallowing if she notices several symptoms that could indicate difficulty with this process. Signs to be observed may include respiratory distress like shortness of breath, the presence of wheezes or stridor, hoarseness, and pain with swallowing. Additionally, the assistant might observe the patient coughing or coughing up abnormal sputum, which could be a sign of aspiration or another swallowing disorder. It's also important to watch for general signs of potential swallowing difficulties or infections such as unusual bleeding, persistent coughing, or hoarseness, which can be indicative of more serious conditions.
During routine checks such as physical examinations, healthcare professionals use a variety of tools and observational skills to assess a patient's swallowing ability and rule out issues like infection or neurological problems. This includes inspection of the oral cavity and pharynx, which may show signs of dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). If a patient is showing any signs of choking, such as being unable to speak or breathe properly, immediate intervention is necessary as this is a clear indicator of a blocked airway, often due to something impeding the swallowing process.