What is the minimum head-of-bed angle for feeding a resident?

What is the minimum head-of-bed angle for feeding a resident?

• A. 60 degrees
• B. 90 degrees
• C. 30 degrees
• D. 0 degrees

Answer: (A)

Maintaining an upright position during feeding helps prevent food or liquid from entering the airway. Raising the head of the bed to at least 60 degrees places the resident in a high Fowler’s-like position, which aligns the swallowing pathway and uses gravity to help keep food in the esophagus rather than the airway. A gap below that angle, like 30 degrees or 0 degrees, is not sufficient to reduce aspiration risk. While 90 degrees is very upright and safe, the minimum angle needed to maintain safety is 60 degrees. After feeding, keeping the resident upright for a short period (about 20–30 minutes) further reduces the risk of reflux or aspiration.

Maintaining an upright position during feeding helps prevent food or liquid from entering the airway. Raising the head of the bed to at least 60 degrees places the resident in a high Fowler’s-like position, which aligns the swallowing pathway and uses gravity to help keep food in the esophagus rather than the airway. A gap below that angle, like 30 degrees or 0 degrees, is not sufficient to reduce aspiration risk. While 90 degrees is very upright and safe, the minimum angle needed to maintain safety is 60 degrees. After feeding, keeping the resident upright for a short period (about 20–30 minutes) further reduces the risk of reflux or aspiration.