Validation of a Postextubation Dysphagia Screening Tool for Patients After Prolonged Endotracheal Intubation.

Background: Patients who receive prolonged endotracheal intubation (> 48 hours) are at risk for dysphagia. Nurses should conduct swallowing assessments after extubation because of the high likelihood of aspiration pneumonia developing. No valid and reliable postextubation dysphagia screening tools are available.