Reference no: EM133877610
Question
Mr. Smith is a 65-year-old patient with an anterior cervical disc fusion (ACDF) who was referred to you for a clinical swallow evaluation at an assisted living facility. ACDF is a surgical procedure that involves removing a damaged disc at the anterior aspect of the neck of the cervical spine and fusing the two adjacent vertebrae together. ACDF is typically recommended for patients with severe neck pain, numbness, weakness, or other symptoms caused by a damaged disc. During your clinical swallowing evaluation, you observe the following:
He is able to follow multi-step commands and is cognitively intact.
He coughs every time he swallows any liquids.
He has a feeding tube that was placed when he was in the hospital because he "failed" his swallow test.
He has experienced recent unintentional weight loss.
He does not have a history of recurrent upper respiratory infections.
He has a history of depression and anxiety and takes medications for these conditions. However, there is no other significant medical history noted.
His wife is very supportive and has expressed her desire to help her husband thru the recovery process.
What are some pertinent issues to consider in this case? Reflect on these.
You have already completed your clinical swallowing evaluation. Discuss whether or not you would complete an MBSS and why.
Include any applicable ethical and/or cultural considerations.
What, if any, education can you provide to Mr. Smith?
What is your prognosis and why?