A swallow screening is indicated for the following patients:

1. A swallow screening is indicated for the following patients: • All TIA or stroke patients (ischemic or hemorrhagic) • Any patient with a neurologic disorder. • Any patient with dysarthria, aphasia, intermittent drooling, or dyspnea. • Any patient with a history of head/neck/chest surgery, trauma, or radiation. • Any patient with a history of swallowing difficulty including prior enteral tube placement. • Any patient with pneumonia. • Any patient who has recently been extubated.

2. The following patients are to be evaluated ONLY by a speech pathologist and NOT by the nurse: • Any patient who has a history of aspiration pneumonia. • Any patient with a weak/absent cough. • Any patient who currently has a PEG that was placed due to swallowing difficulty in the last 6 months. • Any patient with a current tracheostomy. • Any patient who is not able to follow commands for swallowing. It is important to remember, that some patients with aphasia WILL BE able to follow commands for swallowing.