HAC Nutritional Support & Meal Preparation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident with dysphagia requires thickened liquids. Which consistency is described as 'nectar-thick'?
- Pours like water
- Pours slowly like nectar or juice (Correct answer)
- Holds its shape like pudding
- Cannot be poured at all
Correct answer: Pours slowly like nectar or juice
Nectar-thick liquids pour slowly and coat a spoon, similar to the consistency of tomato juice or nectar.
Question 2: When assisting a resident with feeding, how should the aide position the resident?
- Lying flat in bed at 0 degrees
- Semi-reclined at 30 degrees
- Upright at 90 degrees or as close as possible (Correct answer)
- Turned to one side
Correct answer: Upright at 90 degrees or as close as possible
An upright position of 90 degrees minimizes aspiration risk by using gravity to direct food down the esophagus.
Question 3: A care plan specifies a 'mechanical soft' diet. Which food is appropriate for this diet?
- Raw carrots
- Whole crackers
- Mashed potatoes (Correct answer)
- Hard candy
Correct answer: Mashed potatoes
Mechanical soft diets include foods that are soft, moist, and easy to chew, such as mashed potatoes.
Question 4: Which nutrient is primarily responsible for wound healing in elderly residents?
- Carbohydrates
- Protein (Correct answer)
- Fat
- Fiber
Correct answer: Protein
Protein provides amino acids essential for tissue repair and wound healing.
Question 5: A healthcare aide notices a resident is consistently leaving 75% of meals uneaten. What is the most appropriate first action?
- Force the resident to eat more
- Document the intake and report to the charge nurse (Correct answer)
- Offer larger portions
- Change the resident's diet without authorization
Correct answer: Document the intake and report to the charge nurse
Documenting and reporting poor food intake allows the care team to assess and address potential nutritional deficiencies.
Question 6: Which of the following is a sign of dehydration in a resident?
- Moist mouth
- Frequent urination
- Dark-colored urine (Correct answer)
- Low body temperature
Correct answer: Dark-colored urine
Dark yellow or amber urine is a common sign of dehydration due to concentrated waste products.
Question 7: A resident on a sodium-restricted diet asks for salt packets. What should the aide do?
- Provide the salt since the resident requested it
- Refer the request to the charge nurse (Correct answer)
- Substitute with pepper instead
- Ignore the request
Correct answer: Refer the request to the charge nurse
Dietary restrictions are part of the care plan and must be managed by licensed staff; the aide should not independently override them.
HAC Nutritional Support & Meal Preparation 2
A resident with dysphagia requires thickened liquids.
Which consistency is described as 'nectar-thick'?