CNA Nutrition and Hydration Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident on a thickened-liquid diet asks for regular water. What should the CNA do?
- Provide regular water since it is just water
- Refuse and offer nectar-thick liquid instead (Correct answer)
- Ask the nurse if an exception can be made
- Give a small amount of water to satisfy the request
Correct answer: Refuse and offer nectar-thick liquid instead
Residents on thickened-liquid diets must receive only fluids of the prescribed consistency to prevent aspiration.
Question 2: Which observation during mealtime should the CNA report to the nurse immediately?
- Resident eats slowly
- Resident coughs repeatedly while swallowing (Correct answer)
- Resident prefers soft foods
- Resident leaves some food on the tray
Correct answer: Resident coughs repeatedly while swallowing
Repeated coughing during swallowing may indicate aspiration and must be reported to the nurse right away.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a calorie count ordered for a resident?
- To limit the amount the resident eats
- To determine if the resident is consuming adequate nutrients (Correct answer)
- To calculate the cost of meals
- To track how fast the resident eats
Correct answer: To determine if the resident is consuming adequate nutrients
A calorie count documents exact intake so the care team can assess whether the resident's nutritional needs are being met.
Question 4: When assisting a resident with feeding, the CNA should offer bites that are:
- As large as possible to save time
- Small enough to be safely chewed and swallowed (Correct answer)
- Only liquid to prevent choking
- Given every 30 seconds regardless of swallowing
Correct answer: Small enough to be safely chewed and swallowed
Small bites reduce choking risk and allow the resident adequate time to chew and swallow safely.
Question 5: A resident's intake and output (I&O) record should include which of the following?
- Only food eaten at meals
- All fluids consumed including those with medications (Correct answer)
- Solid food weight only
- Activity level during the day
Correct answer: All fluids consumed including those with medications
Accurate I&O tracking includes all fluid sources—beverages, soups, ice chips, and fluids taken with medications.
Question 6: Which position is safest for most residents during oral feeding?
- Flat (supine) to promote relaxation
- Side-lying with head elevated 15 degrees
- Upright at 90 degrees or as close as possible (Correct answer)
- Prone (face-down) for gravity assistance
Correct answer: Upright at 90 degrees or as close as possible
An upright seated position uses gravity to facilitate swallowing and greatly reduces aspiration risk.
Question 7: A resident with dysphagia is best described as someone who has difficulty with:
- Digesting certain foods
- Swallowing food or liquids (Correct answer)
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Absorbing vitamins from food
Correct answer: Swallowing food or liquids
Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing, which places residents at risk for aspiration pneumonia.
CNA Nutrition and Hydration Management 2
A resident on a thickened-liquid diet asks for regular water.
What should the CNA do?