Final answer:
After performing a swallow during cervical auscultation, clinicians should listen for normal respiratory patterns, quick and crisp pharyngeal swallow sounds, and note the presence of any secondary swallows needed to clear residue.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cervical auscultation is a clinical assessment technique used to evaluate swallowing function by listening to sounds of the neck using a stethoscope during the act of swallowing. After the swallow, clinicians may listen for several indicators of normal or abnormal swallowing physiology. The following are three key sounds or observations that clinicians should be attentive to:
- Respiratory Patterns: Normal post-swallow respiration should resume immediately, and the quality of breathing sounds should be clear without signs of aspiration.
- Pharyngeal Swallow Sounds: A quick and crisp sound typically indicates a successful swallow. Any prolonged or atypical sounds may suggest dysphagia or other swallowing disorders.
- Secondary Swallows: These may be required to clear any residue remaining in the throat and should not be confused with repeated attempts to swallow due to obstruction.
It is important to note that while cervical auscultation can provide valuable information, it should be used in conjunction with other diagnostic tools for a comprehensive assessment of swallowing function.