General CNA Practice Nutrition and Hydration 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident has a nasogastric (NG) tube for feeding. The CNA's role is to:
- Administer tube feedings independently
- Provide mouth care and report any problems with the tube to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Remove the tube when the resident complains
- Flush the tube without nurse instruction
Correct answer: Provide mouth care and report any problems with the tube to the nurse
CNAs provide oral care for residents with NG tubes and report observations to the nurse; tube feeding administration is outside the CNA scope.
Question 2: What does BMI (Body Mass Index) measure?
- Blood sugar levels
- Body fat based on height and weight (Correct answer)
- Bone density
- Blood pressure relative to age
Correct answer: Body fat based on height and weight
BMI is a numerical value calculated from height and weight used to assess whether a person is underweight, normal, overweight, or obese.
Question 3: A resident on a diabetic diet asks for a candy bar from a visitor. The CNA should:
- Allow the candy bar since visitors brought it
- Politely remind the resident of their dietary restriction and inform the nurse (Correct answer)
- Take the candy away without explanation
- Ignore the situation
Correct answer: Politely remind the resident of their dietary restriction and inform the nurse
The CNA should reinforce the dietary restriction respectfully and notify the nurse so the care team can address the situation.
Question 4: Which observation during meal assistance should be reported to the nurse?
- The resident eats half the meal
- The resident coughs repeatedly while eating and drinking (Correct answer)
- The resident eats slowly
- The resident requests extra bread
Correct answer: The resident coughs repeatedly while eating and drinking
Repeated coughing during eating or drinking is a sign of possible aspiration and must be reported to the nurse immediately.
Question 5: Adequate hydration for most adult residents means drinking approximately:
- 1 cup of fluid per day
- 6 to 8 cups (48–64 oz) of fluid per day unless restricted (Correct answer)
- As little fluid as possible
- Only water and no other beverages
Correct answer: 6 to 8 cups (48–64 oz) of fluid per day unless restricted
Most adults require 6–8 cups of fluid daily to maintain hydration, though this may vary based on medical conditions and care plan orders.
Question 6: A resident receiving a regular diet requests a vegetarian meal due to religious beliefs. The CNA should:
- Refuse because it is not on the care plan
- Inform the dietary department and nurse so accommodations can be arranged (Correct answer)
- Ignore the request
- Give the resident only water
Correct answer: Inform the dietary department and nurse so accommodations can be arranged
Religious dietary preferences are part of a resident's rights and should be communicated to dietary staff and the nurse for accommodation.
General CNA Practice Nutrition and Hydration 2
A resident has a nasogastric (NG) tube for feeding.
The CNA's role is to: