Product Spotlight and LTC Resources

New Food Thickener Reduces Risk of Aspiration in People With Dysphagia

Many long-term care patients with dysphagia require a modified-texture diet of pureed or liquefied foods. Often starch-based thickening powders are added to modified foods to reduce the risk of food and liquid from entering the lungs, yet these powders may cause the foods to have an unpleasant taste and appearance. To address the challenges of existing thickeners, Nestlé Nutrition announced its new product Resource ThickenUp, a clear and tasteless non–starch-based thickener that dissolves easily when mixed with water. ThickenUp is made from xanthan gum, maltodextrin, and potassium chloride. In a study by Rebecca J. Leonard, PhD, Department of Otolaryngology, UC Davis Health System, Sacracmento, CA, dysphagia patients who consumed ThickenUp showed significant reduction in the incidence of penetration and aspiration, compared with patients who consumed thin liquid. The researchers also noted improvement in airway closure time for gum-thickened barium, compared with thin liquid barium, demonstrating the ability of gum-based thickeners to enhance swallowing safety in patients with dysphagia. 

“We’re thrilled to introduce a new solution to modify food and beverage consistency that is meaningful for both the dysphagia patient and the hospital,” said Juan Ochoa, MD, US medical and scientific director, Nestlé Health Science, in a press release. ThickenUp is sold in 125-gram tins and 1.2-gram stick packs. For more information on the product’s indications and nutritional value, visit https://bit.ly/NestleThickenUp. 

New Abductor Pillow Reduces Incidence of Heel Ulcers

Following hip surgery, prolonged bed rest and an inability to easily shift one’s position is known to increase the risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pressure ulcers, especially in the heels. The Heel-A-Hip, by PRA Medical Systems, is an abductor pillow designed for use after hip surgery to eliminate heel pressure and reduce the risk of DVT by promoting venous return and knee flexion. The pillow is available in two models: a 24-inch-wide pillow that elevates the heels by 2.5 inches, and the 27-inch-wide pillow that elevates the heels by 3 inches. Both models have a 3-inch tear-off section, enabling the pillows to be shortened for shorter patients. The patient’s heels should be suspended over the edge of the calf supports, thus removing weight from the heels. A unique cradling curve design secures legs from internal rotation, and slits at the bottom of the leg support relieve pressure on the Achilles tendon. To help prevent constriction and device-associated pressure ulcers, the leg straps and closures are adjustable and made from soft foam and Velcro. Learn more about the Heel-A-Hip and request a sample of the product at www.heelahip.com. 

Guidebook for Nurses Offers Updated Drug Information

As long-term care nurses are becoming increasingly responsible for writing medication prescriptions and monitoring patients’ medication adherence, it is important for them to stay informed about current safe practices in pharmacotherapy. Lexi-Comp has just published the 14th edition of Drug Information Handbook for Nursing, a comprehensive guide that provides clinically relevant information on thousands of medications. The handbook is organized to facilitate quick referencing, with a clean two-column format in which drug names are listed alphabetically by brand name, generic name, and synonym, and are cross-referenced by page number to the appropriate drug monograph. The manual also provides an overview of general nursing issues, patient factors influencing drug therapy, and therapeutic management of side effects. The newest edition includes 45 new drug monographs as well as updates to immunization recommendations, management of drug extravasations, and oral medications that should not be crushed. Copies of the book can be purchased online for $48.95 at https://bit.ly/NursingDrugHandbook.