A patient has sustained a stroke.The speech therapist tells you that the patient cannot control his epiglottis.You know that this patient

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The epiglottis is responsible for closing over the trachea and preventing entry of swallowed material into the lungs.An inability to control the epiglottis increases the risk of aspiration and may warrant placement of a feeding tube.The patient will still be able to breathe.Closure of the epiglottis over the trachea will occlude the airway.

A Patient Has Sustained a Stroke