Why should suction be readily available for a patient with Parkinson's disease?

• A. To manage choking risk from impaired gag reflex
• B. To assist with coughing up blood
• C. To remove excess saliva only
• D. To suction secretions in the lungs

Answer: (A)

Airway protection is the key idea. Parkinson’s disease often impairs swallowing and dulls the gag and cough reflex, so saliva and secretions can pool and potentially be aspirated into the lungs. Having suction readily available allows rapid clearance of saliva and small airway secretions from the mouth and pharynx, reducing the risk of choking and aspiration during meals or rest. It’s not about coughing up blood or a general need to remove saliva only, and suctioning lung secretions is usually reserved for other clinical situations like respiratory failure or a tracheostomy. The focus here is preventing airway compromise due to impaired swallowing.