General CNA Practice Nutrition and Hydration 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident on a dysphagia diet requires thickened liquids. The CNA should:
- Give regular thin liquids if the resident prefers them
- Provide liquids at the prescribed consistency only (Correct answer)
- Withhold all liquids to prevent aspiration
- Let the resident choose any liquid thickness
Correct answer: Provide liquids at the prescribed consistency only
Thickened liquids at the prescribed consistency are ordered to prevent aspiration in residents with swallowing difficulties.
Question 2: Which sign indicates a resident may be dehydrated?
- Frequent urination with clear urine
- Dark urine, dry mouth, and decreased skin turgor (Correct answer)
- Edema in the ankles
- Increased saliva production
Correct answer: Dark urine, dry mouth, and decreased skin turgor
Dark urine, dry mouth, and poor skin turgor are classic signs of dehydration indicating inadequate fluid intake.
Question 3: The CNA notices a resident is not eating well at meals. The FIRST action should be:
- Force the resident to eat everything on the tray
- Observe and document the food intake, then report to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Remove the tray without comment
- Give the resident extra snacks without reporting
Correct answer: Observe and document the food intake, then report to the nurse
Observing intake, documenting it accurately, and reporting to the nurse allows the care team to address possible causes of poor appetite.
Question 4: A resident is on a low-sodium diet. Which food should the CNA avoid offering?
- Fresh fruit
- Canned soup (Correct answer)
- Plain rice
- Plain water
Correct answer: Canned soup
Canned soups are typically very high in sodium and are not appropriate for residents on low-sodium diets.
Question 5: Aspiration occurs when:
- Food is properly chewed and swallowed
- Food or liquid enters the airway instead of the esophagus (Correct answer)
- A resident refuses to eat
- A resident drinks too much water
Correct answer: Food or liquid enters the airway instead of the esophagus
Aspiration occurs when food, liquid, or secretions enter the trachea and lungs rather than being swallowed into the esophagus.
Question 6: Which position is safest for feeding a resident at risk for aspiration?
- Lying flat in bed (supine)
- Sitting upright at 90 degrees or as close as possible (Correct answer)
- Lying on the left side
- Head tilted back
Correct answer: Sitting upright at 90 degrees or as close as possible
An upright seated position uses gravity to help direct food toward the esophagus and reduces aspiration risk.
General CNA Practice Nutrition and Hydration 1
A resident on a dysphagia diet requires thickened liquids.
The CNA should: