Certified Hospice and Palliative Assistant (CHPNA) Practice Test

Which of the following is a common sign of dysphagia?

1. Consistent appetite

2. Frequent coughing while eating

3. Normal speech patterns

4. Willingness to try solid foods

The correct answer is: Frequent coughing while eating

Frequent coughing while eating is indeed a common sign of dysphagia, which refers to difficulty swallowing. This symptom arises because individuals with dysphagia may struggle to coordinate the swallowing process, leading to food or liquids entering the airway instead of the esophagus. When this happens, the body reacts reflexively by coughing to clear the airway, which can happen frequently during meals. In contrast, consistent appetite may be present even in individuals with swallowing difficulties, but it does not directly indicate dysphagia. Normal speech patterns do not typically correlate with swallowing difficulties, as these are distinct functions; thus, having normal speech does not imply that a person is not experiencing issues with swallowing. Lastly, a willingness to try solid foods might suggest that a person feels capable of swallowing them, which is not consistent with the experience of dysphagia, where individuals often have avoidance behaviors toward solid foods due to fear of choking or discomfort.