Ace the North Carolina Med Tech Challenge 2026 – Elevate Your Skills and Shine!

The correct answer is aspiration. A resident with difficulty swallowing, a condition known as dysphagia, is at heightened risk of aspiration. This occurs when food, liquid, or any foreign material enters the airway instead of the esophagus during swallowing. Aspiration can lead to serious complications, including aspiration pneumonia, which is an infection caused by inhaling material into the lungs.

While choking is also a concern for someone with swallowing difficulties, aspiration specifically addresses the risk related to respiratory complications directly associated with swallowing impairments. Constipation can result from various factors, including diet and medication, but it is not directly related to swallowing difficulties. Respiratory infections may arise from aspiration, but the term "aspiration" directly correlates with the risk during the act of swallowing, making it the most precise choice in this context.