CNA Feeding and Hydration 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident's care plan specifies 'encourage fluids to 1,500 mL/day.' The CNA should:
- Offer fluids only with meals
- Offer small amounts of fluid frequently throughout the shift (Correct answer)
- Let the resident request fluids when thirsty
- Restrict fluids to prevent incontinence
Correct answer: Offer small amounts of fluid frequently throughout the shift
Offering small amounts of fluid frequently throughout the shift is the most effective way to meet a daily fluid goal.
Question 2: While assisting a resident with a meal, the CNA discovers the resident has a known allergy to shellfish and the tray contains shrimp. The CNA should:
- Remove the shrimp and serve the rest of the meal
- Return the entire tray to dietary and notify the nurse (Correct answer)
- Ask the resident if they feel comfortable eating around it
- Serve the meal and document the allergy discrepancy later
Correct answer: Return the entire tray to dietary and notify the nurse
A tray containing an allergen must be returned and the nurse notified immediately to prevent a potentially life-threatening reaction.
Question 3: Which of the following is the CORRECT sequence when setting up a meal tray for a resident with a visual impairment?
- Place items randomly and let the resident explore
- Describe the tray layout using a clock format and confirm the resident understands (Correct answer)
- Feed the resident without explanation to save time
- Use only finger foods and remove all utensils
Correct answer: Describe the tray layout using a clock format and confirm the resident understands
Using a clock-face description (e.g., 'soup is at 12 o'clock') helps residents with visual impairments locate food and maintain independence.
Question 4: A resident who was previously eating well suddenly refuses to eat for two consecutive meals and says 'nothing tastes right.' The CNA should:
- Accept the refusal and document without further action until the next shift
- Report the change in appetite and the resident's statement to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Offer only the resident's favorite foods immediately without reporting
- Assume it is a personal preference and proceed normally
Correct answer: Report the change in appetite and the resident's statement to the nurse
A sudden change in appetite or taste perception can signal a medical issue and must be reported to the nurse for evaluation.
Question 5: When recording a resident's fluid intake, 8 oz of consumed soup counts as:
- Solid food and is not recorded
- 240 mL of fluid intake (Correct answer)
- Half the amount compared to beverages
- Fluid only if it was a broth-type soup
Correct answer: 240 mL of fluid intake
Soups and other liquid foods count as fluid intake; 8 oz equals approximately 240 mL and must be recorded on the intake record.
Question 6: A resident with congestive heart failure (CHF) has a fluid restriction of 1,000 mL/day. Which action by the CNA is MOST appropriate?
- Encourage extra fluids to keep the resident comfortable
- Track all fluid intake carefully and inform the resident of remaining allowance (Correct answer)
- Restrict ice chips but count all other fluids freely
- Leave a full pitcher of water at the bedside throughout the shift
Correct answer: Track all fluid intake carefully and inform the resident of remaining allowance
Careful tracking of all fluids and communicating the remaining allowance helps prevent fluid overload in residents with CHF.
Question 7: After feeding a resident, which action should the CNA perform BEFORE leaving the room?
- Lower the head of the bed flat immediately for comfort
- Keep the resident upright for at least 30 minutes and document intake (Correct answer)
- Remove all oral care supplies from reach
- Encourage vigorous activity to aid digestion
Correct answer: Keep the resident upright for at least 30 minutes and document intake
Keeping a resident upright for at least 30 minutes after eating reduces the risk of aspiration and reflux.
CNA Feeding and Hydration 5
A resident's care plan specifies 'encourage fluids to 1,500 mL/day.' The CNA should: