Final answer:
Frequent coughing while feeding a resident can signify difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia, which increases the risk of choking and requires careful monitoring and possibly medical assessment.
Step-by-step explanation:
When feeding a resident, frequent coughing can be a sign that the resident is having difficulty swallowing. This condition, known medically as dysphagia, presents a risk of choking because the resident may not be able to move food properly down the throat into the stomach. Coughing can occur when food particles, mucus, or phlegm mistakenly enter the airway, triggering a cough reflex to expel the material and prevent it from reaching the lungs (aspiration).
Aside from coughing, other signs that indicate difficulty with swallowing may include shortness of breath, wheezes or stridor, hoarseness, and pain with swallowing. It's important for caregivers to be vigilant for these symptoms to provide immediate assistance and prevent complications such as aspiration pneumonia, which can occur if food, saliva, liquids, or vomit are breathed into the lungs. Individuals with dysphagia may also require evaluation for underlying conditions and potential treatment options such as swallowing therapy.