CNA Feeding and Hydration 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident with dysphagia is prescribed a nectar-thick liquid diet. Which of the following beverages must be thickened before serving?
- Orange juice
- Milk
- Water
- All of the above (Correct answer)
Correct answer: All of the above
All thin liquids, including juice, milk, and water, must be thickened to the prescribed consistency for residents with dysphagia.
Question 2: When assisting a resident who is eating, the CNA notices the resident begins to cough repeatedly after each sip of water. The BEST action is to:
- Encourage the resident to drink more slowly
- Stop the meal and report to the nurse immediately (Correct answer)
- Switch the resident to solid foods only
- Elevate the head of the bed higher
Correct answer: Stop the meal and report to the nurse immediately
Repeated coughing after swallowing is a sign of possible aspiration, which must be reported to the nurse immediately.
Question 3: A resident with Parkinson's disease is having difficulty bringing a fork to their mouth independently. The CNA should FIRST:
- Take over and feed the resident completely
- Offer adaptive utensils and allow the resident to attempt self-feeding (Correct answer)
- Skip the meal and document the refusal
- Request a pureed diet change
Correct answer: Offer adaptive utensils and allow the resident to attempt self-feeding
Adaptive utensils promote resident independence and dignity before resorting to full assistance.
Question 4: Which observation during mealtime MOST suggests a resident may have poor dentition affecting their ability to eat?
- Resident eats quickly and finishes all food
- Resident pockets food in the cheeks or spits out tough pieces (Correct answer)
- Resident drinks extra fluids with each bite
- Resident requests extra seasoning
Correct answer: Resident pockets food in the cheeks or spits out tough pieces
Pocketing food or spitting out pieces often indicates the resident cannot chew effectively due to dental problems.
Question 5: A resident's intake record shows they have only consumed 25% of meals for the past three days. The CNA should:
- Document it and wait another week before reporting
- Report the pattern to the nurse and document accurately (Correct answer)
- Offer larger portions at the next meal
- Tell the resident they must eat more
Correct answer: Report the pattern to the nurse and document accurately
Consistently poor oral intake over multiple days is a significant nutritional concern that must be reported promptly.
Question 6: Which positioning is MOST appropriate for a resident receiving tube feeding?
- Flat supine position
- Head of bed elevated at least 30–45 degrees (Correct answer)
- Left lateral (Sims') position
- Prone position with head turned to the side
Correct answer: Head of bed elevated at least 30–45 degrees
Elevating the head of bed 30–45 degrees during and after tube feeding reduces the risk of aspiration.
Question 7: A resident states they are not thirsty and refuses fluids throughout the shift. Which sign would FIRST alert the CNA to possible dehydration?
- Increased appetite
- Dark amber urine with strong odor (Correct answer)
- Moist oral mucosa
- Frequent loose stools
Correct answer: Dark amber urine with strong odor
Dark, concentrated urine with a strong odor is an early and reliable indicator of inadequate fluid intake and dehydration.
CNA Feeding and Hydration 4
A resident with dysphagia is prescribed a nectar-thick liquid diet.
Which of the following beverages must be thickened before serving?