Aspiration Precautions

Workplace Applications

Applying aspiration precautions in daily practice as a nursing assistant:

• Right to access personal records and facility survey results
• Right to privacy for personal care, mail, phone conversations, medical information
• Right to be free from restraints (physical and chemical) except for documented medical necessity
• Avoid false reassurance (do not say everything will be fine), acknowledge feelings instead
• Use open-ended questions to encourage residents to share feelings
• Active listening: face the resident, maintain eye contact, nod, paraphrase

Equipment & Tools

Preventing airway entry: upright positioning, diet modification, and controlled feeding technique. Tested on CNA and MA exams.

Resident care connections: Right to make choices about daily routine including when to eat, sleep, bathe, what to wear. Right to access personal records and facility survey results.

Professional Standards

Professional standards for aspiration precautions are established by the relevant certification body and regulatory agencies. Certified professionals must demonstrate competency through examination and maintain credentials through continuing education. Scope of practice is defined by state law and facility policy. Never perform tasks outside your authorized scope.

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step-by-step procedure for positioning (applicable to aspiration precautions):

1. Reposition every 2 hours minimum
2. Use pillows for support and pressure relief
3. Supine, lateral, prone, Fowler, Sims positions
4. Maintain body alignment

Safety note: Check bony prominences for redness. Use draw sheet for moving in bed. Never drag skin against sheets.