CNA Nutrition and Hydration Management 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident on a fluid restriction of 1,000 mL/day has already consumed 800 mL by noon. What should the CNA do?
- Give normal fluids for the rest of the day since the limit seems too strict
- Notify the nurse and document the intake so the team can plan remaining fluids (Correct answer)
- Stop all fluids immediately for the rest of the day without informing anyone
- Offer extra fluids to keep the resident comfortable
Correct answer: Notify the nurse and document the intake so the team can plan remaining fluids
The CNA must notify the nurse and document the intake so the care team can manage the remaining fluid allowance safely.
Question 2: Which food item would NOT be appropriate for a resident on a low-sodium diet?
- Fresh apple slices
- Canned soup (Correct answer)
- Plain oatmeal
- Steamed broccoli
Correct answer: Canned soup
Canned soups are typically very high in sodium and are generally restricted on low-sodium diets.
Question 3: What does the abbreviation 'NPO' mean in relation to a resident's diet?
- No protein offered
- Nothing by mouth (Correct answer)
- Needs physician order
- Normal pureed only
Correct answer: Nothing by mouth
NPO (nil per os) means the resident must receive nothing by mouth, including fluids and medications taken orally.
Question 4: Signs of dehydration in a resident include all of the following EXCEPT:
- Dry mouth and tongue
- Decreased urine output
- Dark-colored urine
- Increased skin turgor (elasticity) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Increased skin turgor (elasticity)
Dehydration causes decreased skin turgor (skin tents when pinched), not increased elasticity.
Question 5: A resident who is lactose intolerant should avoid which food on their meal tray?
- Orange juice
- Whole milk (Correct answer)
- White rice
- Grilled chicken
Correct answer: Whole milk
Whole milk contains lactose, which a lactose-intolerant resident cannot properly digest, potentially causing GI distress.
Question 6: When measuring a resident's fluid output, the CNA should measure:
- Only urine voided in the toilet
- All urine, emesis, wound drainage, and liquid stool (Correct answer)
- Urine from catheter bags only
- Only fluids the resident requests measurement of
Correct answer: All urine, emesis, wound drainage, and liquid stool
Total output includes all fluid leaving the body—urine, vomit, drainage, and liquid stool—to accurately assess fluid balance.
Question 7: A resident's meal tray arrives and the CNA notices it does not match the diet listed on the resident's care plan. The CNA should:
- Serve the tray since dietary staff are responsible for errors
- Ask the resident which food they prefer
- Return the tray and contact dietary and the nurse before serving (Correct answer)
- Remove only the items that look wrong and serve the rest
Correct answer: Return the tray and contact dietary and the nurse before serving
Serving an incorrect diet can harm the resident; the CNA must return the tray and notify dietary and the nurse immediately.
CNA Nutrition and Hydration Management 3
A resident on a fluid restriction of 1,000 mL/day has already consumed 800 mL by noon.
What should the CNA do?