What is a key safety measure to prevent aspiration during meals?

• A. Eat slowly while lying down
• B. Keep the patient upright during meals
• C. Sit the patient upright (about 90 degrees) during meals and for a period after eating
• D. Encourage swallowing without pausing

Answer: (C)

Positioning during meals is crucial to protect the airway. Sitting upright at about 90 degrees uses gravity to help the food move down the esophagus and makes it less likely for material to go toward the trachea during swallowing. Maintaining that upright posture for a period after eating gives the swallow reflex time to complete and helps prevent residual food or liquid from refluxing toward the airway.

Eating while lying down or in a slouched position removes this protective effect and increases aspiration risk. Encouraging rapid swallowing without pausing can also overwhelm the swallow and raise the chance of choking or aspiration.