MDS Alert

Look for this frequent complaint as a red flag.

The RAI User's Manual directs you to check all that apply below during the seven-day lookback:

1. K0100A, loss of liquids/solids from mouth when eating or drinking. When the resident has food or liquid in his or her mouth, the food or liquid dribbles down chin or falls out of the mouth.

2. K0100B, holding food in mouth/cheeks or residual food in mouth after meals. Holding food in mouth or cheeks for prolonged periods of time (sometimes labeled pocketing) or food left in mouth because resident failed to empty mouth completely.

3. K0100C, coughing or choking during meals or when swallowing medications. The resident may cough or gag, turn red, have more labored breathing, or have difficulty speaking when eating, drinking, or taking medications. The resident may frequently complain of food or medications "going down the wrong way."

4. K0100D, complaints of difficulty or pain with swallowing. Resident may refuse food because it is painful or difficult to swallow.

5. K0100Z, none of the above: if none of the K0100A through K0100D signs or symptoms were present during the look-back.

Source: The above is verbatim from the RAI User's Manual, page K-2.