A 72-year-old man is admitted to the hospital with fever, productive cough, and shortness of breath. He has a history of cerebrovascular accident with residual dysphagia. A chest X-ray shows an infiltrate in the right lower lobe. Sputum Gram stain reveals numerous neutrophils and mixed oral flora. Which of the following is the most likely predisposing factor for this patient's condition?
✓ Correct Answer: Option B
The patient's history of dysphagia due to a CVA strongly predisposes him to aspiration pneumonia. The right lower lobe infiltrate and sputum with mixed oral flora are classic for aspiration.