CNA Feeding and Hydration 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident on a thickened-liquid diet requests a glass of water. What should the CNA do?
- Offer water thickened to the prescribed consistency (Correct answer)
- Provide regular water since it is just water
- Deny all fluids until the nurse clarifies
- Mix water with juice to thin the thickener
Correct answer: Offer water thickened to the prescribed consistency
Thickened-liquid orders apply to all fluids, including water, to prevent aspiration.
Question 2: When assisting a resident to eat, the CNA notices the resident pocketing food in one cheek. This behavior is a sign of:
- Dysphagia or swallowing difficulty (Correct answer)
- Normal chewing pattern in older adults
- Preference to eat slowly
- Adequate satiety
Correct answer: Dysphagia or swallowing difficulty
Pocketing food is a common sign of dysphagia and increases the risk of choking or aspiration.
Question 3: A resident's intake and output (I&O) record shows output far exceeding intake over 24 hours. The CNA should:
- Report the imbalance to the nurse immediately (Correct answer)
- Encourage fluids independently without notifying the nurse
- Document the finding and do nothing further
- Restrict fluids to reduce output
Correct answer: Report the imbalance to the nurse immediately
A significant I&O imbalance can indicate dehydration and must be reported promptly to the nurse.
Question 4: Which position is SAFEST for a resident with a high aspiration risk during mealtime?
- 90-degree upright position (Correct answer)
- Supine with head slightly elevated
- Semi-reclined at 30 degrees
- Side-lying position
Correct answer: 90-degree upright position
A 90-degree upright (sitting) position uses gravity to move food toward the stomach rather than the airway.
Question 5: A resident receiving tube feedings begins to vomit during the feeding. The CNA should first:
- Stop the feeding and turn the resident on their side (Correct answer)
- Increase the feeding rate to finish faster
- Sit the resident fully upright and continue feeding
- Suction the resident's airway independently
Correct answer: Stop the feeding and turn the resident on their side
Stopping the feeding and positioning the resident on their side protects the airway from aspiration of vomit.
Question 6: When recording a resident's fluid intake, which of these would the CNA include?
- Ice cream and gelatin consumed at meals (Correct answer)
- Solid foods like bread and vegetables
- Vitamins taken with a dry swallow
- Medications administered in pill form
Correct answer: Ice cream and gelatin consumed at meals
Foods that are liquid at room temperature, such as ice cream and gelatin, are counted as fluid intake.
Question 7: A resident with dementia refuses to open their mouth during feeding. The BEST initial approach is to:
- Pause, gently redirect, and offer a preferred food or flavor (Correct answer)
- Force small amounts of food between the lips
- Document refusal and stop the meal entirely
- Blend all food into a liquid and use a syringe
Correct answer: Pause, gently redirect, and offer a preferred food or flavor
Pausing and redirecting with preferred foods respects dignity and often resolves resistance in residents with dementia.
CNA Feeding and Hydration 3
A resident on a thickened-liquid diet requests a glass of water.
What should the CNA do?