22nd May 2024

You are asked to see a 71-year-old man on the stroke ward. He had failed a swallow assessment

You are asked to see a 71-year-old man on the stroke ward. He had failed a swallow assessment and pulled out his nasogastric tube overnight. He is now pyrexial, with a cough. Examination reveals a poor cough with upper airway noises, reduced air entry on the right with dullness to percussion.

Which of the following is correct regarding this patient’s management?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.