CNA Nutrition & Hydration Flashcards

Which vitamin does the body synthesize when skin is exposed to sunlight?

Answer: Vitamin D

Vitamin D is produced in the skin when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light; it is essential for calcium absorption and bone health.

What is the primary purpose of conducting a calorie count on a patient?

Answer: To monitor and document actual food and fluid intake

A calorie count involves documenting everything a patient eats and drinks to assess whether their nutritional intake is meeting their needs.

If a patient refuses to eat their meal, what should the CNA do first?

Answer: Report the refusal to the nurse and document the intake

Meal refusal must be reported to the nurse and documented accurately, as it is clinically significant information affecting the patient's care plan.

Which food group is the primary source of complex carbohydrates?

Answer: Grains and starches

Grains and starches such as bread, rice, pasta, and cereals are the primary sources of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy.

A low-sodium diet is most commonly prescribed to help manage which condition?

Answer: Hypertension and heart disease

Restricting dietary sodium reduces fluid retention and helps lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension or heart disease.

What is enteral nutrition?

Answer: Nutrition delivered through the gastrointestinal tract via a feeding tube

Enteral nutrition delivers liquid nutrients directly into the gastrointestinal tract through a feeding tube when a patient cannot eat orally.

Which tool is commonly used to screen patients for risk of malnutrition?

Answer: Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) or Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST)

The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST) are validated tools used to identify patients at nutritional risk.