Get 25% off on lifetime Praxis 5331 prep with code PASS25

00Days
:
00Hrs
:
00Min
:
00Sec
P
Praxis SLP Prep
ETS Domain: Assessment

Praxis 5331 Pediatric Dysphagia Questions

Pediatric dysphagia items on the Praxis 5331 test whether you can identify feeding red flags in infants and children and choose appropriate assessment and intervention. Expect NICU scenarios, premature-infant feeding, and sensory-based feeding disorders that differ from adult dysphagia items.

Why this topic matters

High-yield concepts

Sample practice questions

Try answering before revealing the rationale — mark misses to retry later.

Q1.A 32-week preterm infant is losing oxygen saturation during bottle feeds and pulling away from the nipple. The most appropriate next step is:

  • A.Continue feeding to maintain volume goals
  • B.Pause the feed, allow the infant to recover, and use cue-based pacing
  • C.Discontinue oral feeding permanently
  • D.Increase nipple flow rate
Show answer & rationale

Correct: B. Cue-based feeding responds to infant stress signals. Pausing and pacing preserves safety and gradually builds tolerance. Continuing through disengagement cues risks aspiration and negative feeding associations.

Q2.A 3-year-old refuses all textures except pureed foods and gags on any solid. Medical work-up is unremarkable. The most likely diagnosis is:

  • A.Pharyngeal dysphagia
  • B.Pediatric feeding disorder with sensory features (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder features)
  • C.Vocal fold paralysis
  • D.Aspiration pneumonia
Show answer & rationale

Correct: B. Absence of medical findings plus severe texture restriction points to a sensory-based feeding disorder. Multi-disciplinary intervention (OT, SLP, psychology) is often needed.

Q3.When is an instrumental swallow assessment (VFSS or FEES) most clearly indicated in a pediatric patient?

  • A.Whenever a child is a 'picky eater'
  • B.When clinical exam suggests aspiration risk or airway compromise
  • C.For all children with autism
  • D.Only after failed adult-style bedside swallow
Show answer & rationale

Correct: B. Instrumental assessment is indicated when clinical signs suggest airway compromise or aspiration risk. Picky eating alone is not an indication.

Common wrong-answer traps

Study moves this week

Want 400+ scenario questions with rationales?

Praxis Path unlocks a full question bank + 132-question timed mock exam and spaced-repetition flashcards.

See what's includedTry free practice test

FAQ

Are SLPs in the NICU without specialized training a good idea?

NICU is a specialized practice area. ASHA recommends mentorship and additional training before independent NICU practice.

Can autism cause feeding problems?

Autism commonly co-occurs with sensory-based feeding differences, but a feeding disorder should be evaluated in its own right.

How do parents fit into pediatric feeding therapy?

Parents are central. Family-centered coaching is the gold standard for infants and young children with feeding disorders.

Related topic question sets

Browse all Praxis 5331 practice question topics →