Praxis SLP Licensure Exam

Which therapy technique would best improve decreased laryngeal elevation in a dysphagia patient?

1. Shaker head lifts and the Mendelsohn maneuver

2. The supraglottic swallow and the super-supraglottic swallow

3. The effortful swallow and the mask maneuver

4. Vitalstim and thickened liquids

The correct answer is: Shaker head lifts and the Mendelsohn maneuver

The Shaker head lifts and the Mendelsohn maneuver are both effective therapy techniques aimed at improving laryngeal elevation, which is crucial in the swallowing process. The Shaker head lifts specifically target the muscles that facilitate upward movement of the larynx, thereby assisting with airway protection during swallowing and contributing to the effectiveness of the swallow. This technique involves the patient lying down and lifting their head to engage the suprahyoid muscles, which play a significant role in elevating the larynx. The Mendelsohn maneuver, on the other hand, emphasizes the voluntary prolongation of laryngeal elevation during swallowing. By consciously holding the larynx in its elevated position at the peak of the swallow, the maneuver helps to improve coordination and strength, further supporting safe and effective swallowing. While other techniques listed aim to address various aspects of swallowing, they do not specifically target the elevation of the larynx as effectively as the combination of the Shaker head lifts and the Mendelsohn maneuver does. For instance, swallowing techniques such as the supraglottic and super-supraglottic swallow focus primarily on airway protection and may not enhance laryngeal elevation directly. Similarly, interventions like Vitalstim and thick