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.

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.