Which of the following is NOT listed as a major risk factor for aspiration?

• A. Decreased consciousness
• B. Documented previous aspiration
• C. Vomiting
• D. Age

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is which factors most strongly increase the likelihood that material will enter the airway. In this context, major risk factors are conditions that directly compromise airway protection or introduce material into the throat or stomach that can be aspirated. Decreased consciousness reduces the patient’s ability to protect the airway through coughing or swallowing, making aspiration more likely. Vomiting brings gastric contents up toward the airway and can be aspirated if the protective reflexes aren’t effective. A documented previous aspiration shows an existing vulnerability in swallowing or airway protection, indicating a high risk of recurrence.

Age, by itself, does not constitute a major risk factor listed for aspiration in this framework. While older adults may have higher prevalence of swallowing disorders or comorbidities that raise risk, this item is not considered a direct, major risk factor in the standard risk-factor list.