CNA CNA Nutrition & Hydration 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The recommended daily fluid intake for most adults to maintain adequate hydration is approximately:
- 1 cup (8 oz)
- 4 cups (32 oz)
- 8 cups (64 oz) (Correct answer)
- 16 cups (128 oz)
Correct answer: 8 cups (64 oz)
Most adults need approximately 8 cups (64 oz) of fluid per day to maintain normal hydration and body functions.
Question 2: A CNA notices a resident's meal intake has dropped to less than 25% over the past three days. The FIRST action should be:
- Document the intake and report it to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Assume the resident is not hungry and move on
- Force the resident to eat more
- Change the resident's diet without approval
Correct answer: Document the intake and report it to the nurse
Documenting and reporting poor intake to the nurse ensures the care team can assess for underlying causes and adjust the care plan.
Question 3: Which food group provides the MOST immediate source of energy for the body?
- Fats
- Proteins
- Carbohydrates (Correct answer)
- Vitamins
Correct answer: Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the body's primary and most quickly available energy source, broken down into glucose.
Question 4: A resident with a pressure injury is most likely to benefit from increased dietary intake of:
- Sodium and fat
- Protein and vitamin C (Correct answer)
- Simple sugars and caffeine
- Potassium and fiber
Correct answer: Protein and vitamin C
Protein supports tissue repair and vitamin C aids collagen synthesis, both critical for wound healing.
Question 5: When recording a resident's fluid intake, which item should the CNA include?
- Solid foods only
- Ice cream, gelatin, and soup broth (Correct answer)
- Only water and juice
- Only beverages served with meals
Correct answer: Ice cream, gelatin, and soup broth
Foods that are liquid at room temperature — such as ice cream, gelatin, and broth — count toward fluid intake and must be recorded.
Question 6: A diabetic resident's meal is delayed by 45 minutes. The CNA should:
- Give the resident candy to prevent low blood sugar
- Notify the nurse of the meal delay (Correct answer)
- Proceed without concern since a short delay is harmless
- Give the resident insulin from the supply cart
Correct answer: Notify the nurse of the meal delay
Meal delays in diabetic residents can lead to hypoglycemia, so the nurse must be informed to monitor blood glucose and adjust insulin timing if needed.
Question 7: Which cultural or religious practice should the CNA ALWAYS respect when serving meals?
- Ignore preferences if they conflict with the standard menu
- Document and honor food restrictions related to culture or religion (Correct answer)
- Assume all residents eat the same foods
- Substitute any food without informing the resident
Correct answer: Document and honor food restrictions related to culture or religion
Respecting cultural and religious dietary practices is a fundamental aspect of person-centered care and resident rights.
The recommended daily fluid intake for most adults to maintain adequate hydration is approximately: