HCA - Health Care Assistant Certification Health Care Assistant Nutrition and Hydration 1

Question 1

An elderly resident refuses to drink fluids throughout the morning shift. What is the most appropriate action for the HCA to take?

Accepted Answer

Offer small amounts of preferred fluids frequently and report the refusal to the nurse

Answer

Offering small amounts of preferred fluids frequently encourages intake without forcing, while reporting to the nurse ensures the care team is aware and can intervene if dehydration risk increases.

Question 2

A resident's care plan indicates they require thickened fluids at 'nectar' consistency. The family brings in a cup of regular juice. What should the HCA do?

Accepted Answer

Add the appropriate thickener to the juice before offering it to the resident

Answer

The HCA must follow the care plan to protect the resident from aspiration risk. Regular juice can be made safe by adding the prescribed thickener before serving.

Question 3

When assisting a resident with feeding, the HCA notices the resident has pocketed food in one cheek. What is the correct response?

Accepted Answer

Gently remind the resident to clear their mouth before offering another bite, and report the observation to the nurse

Answer

Pocketing food is a swallowing concern that increases aspiration risk. The HCA should pause feeding, help the resident clear their mouth, and report to the nurse for further assessment.

Question 4

A resident with diabetes is served a meal that appears to contain a high-sugar dessert not consistent with their diet order. What should the HCA do?

Accepted Answer

Verify the meal against the diet order, withhold the dessert, and report the discrepancy to the nurse before serving

Answer

HCAs must cross-check meals against diet orders. Withholding the inappropriate item and notifying the nurse protects the resident while ensuring a corrected meal can be provided promptly.

Question 5

Which practice best supports adequate nutrition in a resident who becomes fatigued quickly during meals?

Accepted Answer

Offer smaller, more frequent meals and snacks, and allow rest breaks during feeding

Answer

Smaller, more frequent meals reduce the energy required at any single sitting, and rest breaks during feeding allow the resident to continue eating without becoming overwhelmed by fatigue.

(HCA) Health Care Assistant Certification Practice Test

(HCA) Health Care Assistant Certification Practice Test

HCA - Health Care Assistant Certification Health Care Assistant Nutrition and Hydration 1