Which of the following postural or behavioral adjustments is commonly used to reduce aspiration risk during meals in patients with dysphagia?

• A. Lying flat
• B. Standing on one leg
• C. Chin-tuck
• D. Eating quicker

Answer: (C)

The postural adjustment that reduces aspiration risk is the chin-tuck. By bending the neck so the chin moves toward the chest, the swallow is performed with the laryngeal inlet better protected. This chin-down alignment brings the tongue base closer to the posterior pharyngeal wall and helps the epiglottis cover the airway more effectively during the swallow. It also narrows the opening of the laryngeal vestibule, which decreases the chance that material enters the airway before or during swallowing, especially when there’s a delayed swallow or reduced laryngeal elevation.

Lying flat removes gravity‑assisted bolus control and tends to increase aspiration risk, standing on one leg has no relevance to swallowing safety, and eating quicker tends to raise the risk of aspiration rather than reduce it.