CNA CNA Nutrition & Hydration 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident with dysphagia is prescribed a nectar-thick liquid diet. Which beverage is already nectar-thick without modification?
- Water
- Tomato juice (Correct answer)
- Black coffee
- Broth
Correct answer: Tomato juice
Tomato juice naturally has a nectar-thick consistency, making it appropriate without added thickener.
Question 2: Which observation should the CNA report immediately during a resident's mealtime?
- The resident eats slowly
- The resident coughs repeatedly while drinking (Correct answer)
- The resident requests extra seasoning
- The resident leaves vegetables on the plate
Correct answer: The resident coughs repeatedly while drinking
Repeated coughing while drinking is a sign of aspiration risk and must be reported to the nurse immediately.
Question 3: A resident has been NPO since midnight for a morning procedure. At 8 AM she asks for water. The CNA should:
- Offer a small sip since it is just water
- Explain NPO means nothing by mouth and notify the nurse (Correct answer)
- Offer ice chips as a compromise
- Document that the resident refused water
Correct answer: Explain NPO means nothing by mouth and notify the nurse
NPO means nothing by mouth, and the CNA must withhold all oral intake and inform the nurse of the resident's request.
Question 4: When assisting a resident who can feed themselves partially, the CNA's BEST approach is to:
- Feed the entire meal to save time
- Set up the tray and allow the resident to do as much as possible independently (Correct answer)
- Leave the tray and check back in 30 minutes
- Cut all food and leave without assistance
Correct answer: Set up the tray and allow the resident to do as much as possible independently
Promoting independence by setting up the tray and offering assistance only as needed supports dignity and functional ability.
Question 5: Which sign indicates a resident may be experiencing dehydration?
- Increased urine output
- Moist mucous membranes
- Dark yellow concentrated urine (Correct answer)
- Blood pressure within normal range
Correct answer: Dark yellow concentrated urine
Dark yellow, concentrated urine is a classic early sign of dehydration due to reduced fluid intake.
Question 6: A resident on a low-sodium diet asks the CNA for a packet of salt from the supply room. The CNA should:
- Provide the salt since it is a small amount
- Deny the request and ignore the resident
- Explain the dietary restriction and offer to contact the nurse or dietitian (Correct answer)
- Allow one packet as a special exception
Correct answer: Explain the dietary restriction and offer to contact the nurse or dietitian
The CNA should educate the resident about the restriction and involve the appropriate professional rather than allowing or dismissing the request.
Question 7: Which position is SAFEST for feeding a resident who is at risk for aspiration?
- Supine (lying flat)
- 30-degree head-of-bed elevation
- High Fowler's (90 degrees upright) (Correct answer)
- Left lateral (side-lying)
Correct answer: High Fowler's (90 degrees upright)
High Fowler's position (90 degrees) uses gravity to help food travel safely down the esophagus and reduces aspiration risk.
CNA CNA Nutrition & Hydration 4
A resident with dysphagia is prescribed a nectar-thick liquid diet.
Which beverage is already nectar-thick without modification?