Exam Questions and CORRECT Answers
What is dysphagia? - CORRECT ANSWER - Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing, which
requires a swallow evaluation or "Swallow Study" for diagnosis.
Who typically performs a swallow study? - CORRECT ANSWER - A speech-language
pathologist (SLP) typically performs a swallow study.
What are some early signs of dysphagia? - CORRECT ANSWER - Coughing with
meals/beverages, weak voluntary cough, recurrent pneumonia, malnutrition.
What muscle disorders are associated with dysphagia? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Polymyositis, myopathies, scleroderma, and Sjogren's syndrome.
Which gastrointestinal diseases are linked to dysphagia? - CORRECT ANSWER - GERD,
hiatal hernia, achalasia, gastroparesis, amyloidosis, Chagas disease, Zenker's diverticulum, and
esophageal strictures.
What are some malignancies that can cause dysphagia? - CORRECT ANSWER - Head
and neck cancers, stomatitis, mucositis, esophagitis, or strictures associated with chemotherapy
and radiation therapy.
How can neurological disorders contribute to dysphagia? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Neurological conditions can impair muscle coordination, leading to aspiration, swallowing
difficulties, and choking risks.
What are common causes of dysphagia? - CORRECT ANSWER - Neurological disorders,
aging, drug side effects, injury, aspiration.
, What are the three National Dysphagia Diet (NDD) levels? - CORRECT ANSWER -
NDD-1: Pureed (pudding-like consistency), NDD-2: Mechanically altered (moist and soft-
textured), NDD-3: Advanced (regular food except for hard, sticky, or crunchy items).
What are the different beverage consistencies in dysphagia management? - CORRECT
ANSWER - Thin, naturally thick (supplements), nectar thick, honey thick, and spoon
thick.
What are the primary organs of the upper GI tract? - CORRECT ANSWER - Mouth,
pharynx, esophagus, and stomach.
What are the accessory organs of the upper GI tract? - CORRECT ANSWER - Pancreas,
biliary system (gallbladder and bile), and liver.
What are the four basic functions of the upper GI tract? - CORRECT ANSWER - Motility,
secretion, digestion, and absorption.
What is motility in digestion? - CORRECT ANSWER - Motility refers to the movement of
food by propulsion and contractions through the digestive tract.
What substances are secreted in the digestive system? - CORRECT ANSWER - Water,
electrolytes, enzymes, and bile.
What is peristalsis? - CORRECT ANSWER - Peristalsis is the involuntary wave-like
motion that propels food through the esophagus and intestines.
What is the function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)? - CORRECT ANSWER -
The LES controls the release of food into the stomach and prevents acid reflux into the
esophagus.
What are the phases of swallowing? - CORRECT ANSWER - Preparatory, transit,
pharyngeal, and esophageal phases.