CNA CNA Nutrition & Hydration 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended minimum daily fluid intake for most adults?
- 1.5–2 liters (6–8 cups) (Correct answer)
- 500 mL (2 cups)
- 4 liters (16 cups)
- 3.5 liters (14 cups)
Correct answer: 1.5–2 liters (6–8 cups)
Most adults require 1.5–2 liters (6–8 cups) of fluid daily to maintain proper hydration and support body functions.
Question 2: In which position should a patient be placed during feeding to help prevent aspiration?
- Flat (supine)
- Upright at 90 degrees or as close as possible (Correct answer)
- Left lateral (side-lying)
- Trendelenburg position
Correct answer: Upright at 90 degrees or as close as possible
Sitting upright at 90 degrees uses gravity to direct food and fluid down the esophagus, reducing the risk of aspiration into the lungs.
Question 3: What does the medical abbreviation 'NPO' mean?
- Nothing by mouth (Correct answer)
- Normal patient order
- Nutritional plan outline
- No physical obstruction
Correct answer: Nothing by mouth
NPO stands for 'nil per os' (Latin), meaning the patient should receive nothing by mouth — no food, fluids, or oral medications.
Question 4: Which macronutrient provides 9 calories per gram, the highest energy density among all nutrients?
- Carbohydrates
- Protein
- Fat (Correct answer)
- Vitamins
Correct answer: Fat
Fat provides 9 calories per gram, compared to 4 calories per gram for both carbohydrates and protein, making it the most energy-dense macronutrient.
Question 5: What is dysphagia?
- Excessive hunger
- Difficulty swallowing (Correct answer)
- Loss of appetite
- Inability to digest fat
Correct answer: Difficulty swallowing
Dysphagia refers to difficulty or discomfort in swallowing, which increases aspiration risk and may require diet texture modifications.
Question 6: Which of the following is an early sign of dehydration in a patient?
- Frequent urination with clear urine
- Dark-colored urine and dry mouth (Correct answer)
- Swelling in the extremities
- Increased skin turgor
Correct answer: Dark-colored urine and dry mouth
Dark, concentrated urine and dry mouth are classic early signs of dehydration, indicating that the body lacks sufficient fluid.
Question 7: Thickened liquid diets are most commonly ordered for patients with which condition?
- Diabetes mellitus
- Kidney disease
- Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) (Correct answer)
- High cholesterol
Correct answer: Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)
Thickened liquids are used for patients with dysphagia to slow the flow of liquid and reduce the risk of aspiration into the airway.
CNA CNA Nutrition & Hydration 1
What is the recommended minimum daily fluid intake for most adults?