Effect of Implementing Swallowing Training Exercises on Neurogenic Dysphagia among Acute Stroke Patients

El-Nshar, Nader Abdel-Hakim Mousa; Younis, Gehan A.; Fayed, Hazem Abdel-Rahman; Elgendi, Sabah Zein Mohamed

doi:10.21608/tsnj.2024.351229

Effect of Implementing Swallowing Training Exercises on Neurogenic Dysphagia among Acute Stroke Patients

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ 1Master student of critical care and emergency nursing, faculty of nursing, Tanta University. 2Demonstrator of critical Care and Emergency Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Kafrelsheikh University.

² Professor of critical Care and Emergency Nursing Department, Faculty of nursing, Tanta University

³ Professor of Neuro Psychiatry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University.

⁴ Lecturer of Medical Surgical Nursing Department, Faculty of nursing, Kafrelsheikh University

10.21608/tsnj.2024.351229

Abstract

Background: Neurogenic dysphagia is one of the most dangerous consequences of stroke leading to
pulmonary infections and even death in stroke survivors. Aim: Evaluate the effect of implementing
swallowing training exercises on neurogenic dysphagia among acute stroke patients. Design: A
quasi-experimental research design. Setting: This study was conducted at Neurological Intensive
Care Units of Tanta Main University Hospital which affiliated to Ministry of Higher Education and
Scientific Research. Subjects: A purposive sampling of 60 patients with acute stroke aged from 21 to
60 years old, both sexes. Tools: Four tools were used in this study Tool I: Acute Stroke Patients’
Assessment: It included three parts as the following: Part (1): Patients’ demographic characteristics,
Part (2): Patients’ medical data, and Part (3): Patients’ swallowing reflexes examination, Tool II:
Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), Tool (III): The 8-Point Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS),
and Tool (IV): Dysphagia Observational Checklist. Results: The study finding revealed a highly
statistically significant difference was observed among control & study group at 5th day of admission
with (p= 0.000) post application of the swallowing training exercises regarding penetration
aspiration scale. Conclusions: Neurogenic dysphagia is a common problem notified among acute
stroke patients that need special intervention to improve patients' status and decreased its
complications. Recommendation: Manual log book about care of dysphagia and stroke patients
should be available to nurses at Neurological Intensive Care Units as a teaching guide for patients
with neurogenic dysphagia and Continues health education programs for patients and relatives to
increase practices and knowledge on swallowing exercises.