- Provide comprehensive oral care before eating or drinking, clearing secretions from the oral cavity and moistening the mouth
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- Upright positioning as close as possible to a 90 degree angle
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- Flex the head to a neutral or slightly downward position
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- Supervised hand feeding at a slow pace ensuring completed swallow before proceeding to the next
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- Avoid rushed or forced feeding
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- Inspection of the oral cavity for residual food or liquid after a swallow
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- Elevate the head of bed to at least a 30 degree angle after eating for at least an hour
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