DCW Nutrition and Meal Preparation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the term 'thickened liquids' refer to in a care plan?
- Hot drinks served at a reduced temperature
- Liquids mixed with a thickening agent to a specified consistency to prevent choking (Correct answer)
- Smoothies with added protein powder
- Any drink with more than 100 calories per serving
Correct answer: Liquids mixed with a thickening agent to a specified consistency to prevent choking
Thickened liquids are modified to a nectar, honey, or pudding consistency to help clients with dysphagia swallow safely.
Question 2: A client on a renal (kidney) diet should generally limit which of the following nutrients?
- Vitamin C and iron
- Potassium, phosphorus, and sodium (Correct answer)
- Carbohydrates and fiber
- Vitamin D and calcium
Correct answer: Potassium, phosphorus, and sodium
Renal diets restrict potassium, phosphorus, and sodium because impaired kidneys cannot effectively filter these minerals.
Question 3: When storing leftovers in a client's refrigerator, how quickly must cooked food be refrigerated to be safe?
- Within 4 hours
- Within 2 hours (Correct answer)
- Within 6 hours
- Within 30 minutes
Correct answer: Within 2 hours
The USDA recommends refrigerating cooked food within two hours to keep it out of the temperature danger zone where bacteria multiply.
Question 4: A client has a known allergy to peanuts. The DCW is preparing a meal using a packaged sauce. What should the DCW do?
- Use the sauce since it is store-bought and therefore safe
- Read the ingredient and allergen label before using any packaged product (Correct answer)
- Ask the client to taste a small amount first
- Remove peanuts from the sauce before serving
Correct answer: Read the ingredient and allergen label before using any packaged product
Cross-contamination can occur in food manufacturing, so the DCW must read allergen labels on every packaged product before use.
Question 5: Which best describes a 'mechanically soft' diet?
- All foods are blended into liquid form
- Foods are chopped or ground into small pieces that are easy to chew (Correct answer)
- The client avoids all solid food
- The diet contains only fruits and vegetables
Correct answer: Foods are chopped or ground into small pieces that are easy to chew
A mechanically soft diet consists of foods that are finely chopped, ground, or mashed to reduce the need for chewing.
Question 6: What is the most common sign that a client may be dehydrated?
- Increased appetite and energy
- Dark-colored urine, dry mouth, and confusion (Correct answer)
- Excessive sweating and red skin
- Swollen ankles and rapid weight gain
Correct answer: Dark-colored urine, dry mouth, and confusion
Dark urine, dry mouth, and mental confusion are classic early signs of dehydration that the DCW should report promptly.
DCW Nutrition and Meal Preparation 2
What does the term 'thickened liquids' refer to in a care plan?