Question

During an examination, the nurse determines that an older adult client has a weak gag reflex. which nursing intervention will the nurse include in the plan of care for this client?

Answer 1

The nurse should elevate the head of bed for 30 minutes after eating.

What is Gag reflex?

• The gag reflex, also known as the pharyngeal reflex, is an involuntary reflex involving bilateral pharyngeal muscle contraction and elevation of the soft palate.
• This reflex may be evoked by stimulation of the posterior pharyngeal wall, tonsillar area, or base of the tongue.
• The gag reflex is a natural somatic response in which the body attempts to eliminate unwanted agents or foreign objects from the oral cavity through muscle contraction at the base of the tongue and the pharyngeal wall.
• The gag reflex is mediated by CN IX and CN X.
• In certain instances, a lack of a gag reflex may be a symptom of a more severe medical condition, such as cranial nerve damage or brain death.

• Contrast this with a hypersensitive gag reflex (HGR), which may be caused by anxiety, post nasal drip, acid reflux, or oral stimulation such as during dental treatments.

To learn more about Gag reflex,

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