aspiration precautions,recommended practices to decrease the risk of aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions and regurgitated gastric contents. Recommendations include elevation of the head of the bed, appropriate sedative use, and assessment of placements of feeding tubes at 4-hour intervals, along with assessment for tolerance of the feeding and avoidance of bolus feedings. Proper care of endotracheal tube cuffs and swallowing assessments for at-risk patients are also recommended. The American Association of Critical Care Nurses has published evidence-based guidelines on the prevention of aspiration.
