CNA Feeding and Hydration 2

Question 1

A resident has been ordered a 'pureed' diet. What type of food consistency does this include?

Accepted Answer

Foods blended to a smooth, pudding-like consistency with no lumps or chunks

Answer

A pureed diet consists of foods blended or strained to a completely smooth, pudding-like consistency. This is used for residents with severe dysphagia (swallowing difficulty) who cannot manage any solid texture.

Question 2

What is the recommended position for a resident during and after eating to reduce aspiration risk?

Accepted Answer

Sitting upright at 90 degrees (high Fowler's) during eating, and remaining upright for 30-60 minutes afterward

Answer

Residents should be positioned upright at 90 degrees during meals and kept upright for 30-60 minutes after eating to allow the stomach to begin emptying and reduce the risk of aspiration (food or liquid entering the lungs).

Question 3

How many ounces equal 1,000 mL when measuring fluid intake and output?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 33.8 ounces

Answer

1,000 mL equals approximately 33.8 fluid ounces (since 1 fluid ounce ≈ 30 mL). CNAs must be able to convert between mL and ounces when recording intake and output.

Question 4

A resident is receiving nutrition through a nasogastric (NG) tube. What is the CNA's role in NG tube feeding?

Accepted Answer

Observe for complications (vomiting, tube displacement, distension) and report to the nurse — not administer the feeding

Answer

Administering, adjusting, or removing an NG tube feeding is outside the CNA scope of practice. CNAs observe and report complications such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, or tube displacement to the nurse.

Question 5

What is 'dysphagia' and why is it important for CNAs to recognize it?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty swallowing — a condition that increases aspiration risk and requires dietary modifications

Answer

Dysphagia means difficulty swallowing. It is common in residents with stroke, Parkinson's disease, dementia, or head and neck conditions, and significantly increases the risk of aspiration pneumonia.

CNA Practice Test

CNA Practice Test

CNA Feeding and Hydration 2