CPCA Nutrition & Meal Preparation Flashcards

When checking the expiration date on a food product, the aide finds it expired two days ago. What is the correct action?

Answer: Discard it and inform the client or family

Expired food should be discarded to protect the client from foodborne illness, and the situation should be communicated to avoid future shortages.

A client with kidney disease is on a potassium-restricted diet. Which food should the aide avoid serving?

Answer: Bananas and potatoes

Bananas and potatoes are high in potassium and should be avoided by clients on potassium-restricted diets due to kidney disease.

What is the best way to preserve the nutritional value of vegetables during cooking?

Answer: Steam or microwave them briefly

Steaming or microwaving vegetables briefly preserves water-soluble vitamins that are lost through prolonged boiling.

A client requires 6–8 glasses of fluid per day but consistently refuses to drink water. What is an appropriate aide response?

Answer: Offer alternative fluids like juice, soup, or herbal tea and document intake

Offering acceptable alternative fluids helps meet hydration goals while respecting client preferences, and documenting intake supports the care team.

Which handwashing step is most critical for preventing food contamination during meal preparation?

Answer: Washing with soap for at least 20 seconds, scrubbing all surfaces

Washing with soap for at least 20 seconds removes bacteria and viruses effectively, which hand sanitizer alone cannot always achieve.

When is it appropriate for a personal care aide to independently change a client's diet per their own judgment?

Answer: Never — diet changes must be authorized by the supervisor or healthcare provider

Personal care aides must follow the care plan and obtain authorization from the healthcare team before making any dietary changes.