HAC Nutritional Support & Meal Preparation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which vitamin deficiency is most commonly associated with poor wound healing and bleeding gums?
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin C (Correct answer)
- Vitamin D
Correct answer: Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis; deficiency leads to impaired wound healing and gum disease (scurvy).
Question 2: When preparing a meal tray for a resident, what should the aide check first?
- The temperature of the food
- The resident's diet card or care plan (Correct answer)
- Whether the food looks appealing
- The size of the portions
Correct answer: The resident's diet card or care plan
Verifying the diet order ensures the resident receives food consistent with their medical and dietary needs.
Question 3: A resident with diabetes is refusing to eat. What should the healthcare aide prioritize?
- Allowing the resident to skip the meal entirely
- Reporting to the nurse immediately (Correct answer)
- Offering candy as an alternative
- Waiting until the next mealtime
Correct answer: Reporting to the nurse immediately
Diabetic residents who skip meals are at risk for hypoglycemia, especially if they have received insulin, making prompt nurse notification critical.
Question 4: What does 'NPO' mean in a medical context?
- Nutritional Plan Ordered
- Nothing by mouth (Correct answer)
- No Protein Option
- Normal Patient Output
Correct answer: Nothing by mouth
NPO (Nil Per Os) means the resident must not eat or drink anything, typically in preparation for surgery or medical procedures.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes the purpose of fortified foods in elderly care?
- To add flavor to bland meals
- To provide additional nutrients to residents at risk of deficiency (Correct answer)
- To reduce the cost of meal preparation
- To meet religious dietary requirements
Correct answer: To provide additional nutrients to residents at risk of deficiency
Fortified foods contain added vitamins and minerals to help residents meet nutritional needs when regular intake is insufficient.
Question 6: A resident chokes while eating. What is the FIRST action the aide should take?
- Perform abdominal thrusts immediately
- Call for help and assess if the resident can cough (Correct answer)
- Give the resident water to clear the obstruction
- Turn the resident onto their side
Correct answer: Call for help and assess if the resident can cough
First, call for help and assess whether the resident can cough forcefully, as a strong cough may clear the obstruction.
Question 7: How many ounces are in one cup, used when measuring fluid intake?
- 4 ounces
- 6 ounces
- 8 ounces (Correct answer)
- 12 ounces
Correct answer: 8 ounces
One cup equals 8 fluid ounces, a standard measurement used when recording a resident's fluid intake.
HAC Nutritional Support & Meal Preparation 3
Which vitamin deficiency is most commonly associated with poor wound healing and bleeding gums?