Final answer:
Patients with dysphagia should sit upright at a 90-degree angle during meals and remain upright for at least 30 minutes to an hour afterwards to aid swallowing and prevent complications such as aspiration or reflux.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient with dysphagia should remain upright during and after meals to assist with swallowing and to prevent choking or aspiration, which can occur when food or liquid enters the lungs instead of being swallowed into the esophagus and stomach. For those with dysphagia, remaining upright at a 90-degree angle while eating and then maintaining an upright position for at least 30 minutes to an hour after a meal can be beneficial. This practice allows gravity to aid in the movement of food down the esophagus and decreases the likelihood of reflux, where stomach contents can back up into the esophagus and potentially be aspirated into the lungs.
For some individuals, sleeping with the head of the bed elevated is recommended to further minimize reflux during the night. Overall, the goal is to manage symptoms and prevent complications associated with dysphagia by being cautious of body positioning during and after eating.