Which term describes the inhalation of food or fluid into the lungs?

Which term describes the inhalation of food or fluid into the lungs?

• A. Ambulate
• B. Dyspnea
• C. Colostomy
• D. Aspiration

Answer: (D)

Inhaling food or liquid into the lungs is called aspiration. This term describes the entry of swallowed material into the airways, which can happen when swallowing is unsafe or the coughing reflex is weak. It’s the best choice because the other terms refer to different ideas: ambulate means to walk, dyspnea is difficulty breathing, and colostomy is a surgical opening for bowel waste. Aspiration can cause coughing, choking, or wheezing and may lead to respiratory infections like pneumonia if material stays in the lungs. In care, keep the person upright during meals, offer small bites, monitor swallowing and coughing after swallowing, and consider thicker liquids or safer textures if swallowing is a concern.

Inhaling food or liquid into the lungs is called aspiration. This term describes the entry of swallowed material into the airways, which can happen when swallowing is unsafe or the coughing reflex is weak. It’s the best choice because the other terms refer to different ideas: ambulate means to walk, dyspnea is difficulty breathing, and colostomy is a surgical opening for bowel waste. Aspiration can cause coughing, choking, or wheezing and may lead to respiratory infections like pneumonia if material stays in the lungs. In care, keep the person upright during meals, offer small bites, monitor swallowing and coughing after swallowing, and consider thicker liquids or safer textures if swallowing is a concern.