- Health Care Assistant Nutrition and Hydration Questions and Answers Flashcards
6 cards from real HCA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 - Health Care Assistant Nutrition and Hydration Questions and Answers flashcards as text
A resident with dysphagia has a care plan specifying 'minced and moist' texture. What should the HCA do if only regular-texture food is available on the tray?
Answer: Do not serve the food; report to the nurse and dietary department and obtain the correct texture modification
Serving the wrong texture to a dysphagia resident poses a serious aspiration risk; the correct texture must be obtained before feeding proceeds.
Which of the following signs may indicate dehydration in an elderly resident?
Answer: Dry mucous membranes, concentrated dark urine, confusion, and skin tenting
Dry mouth, dark urine, confusion, and skin tenting are classic signs of dehydration in elderly residents.
What is the most appropriate position for a resident during and after oral feeding to reduce aspiration risk?
Answer: Upright at 90 degrees (sitting fully upright) during feeding and for at least 30 minutes after
An upright 90-degree position uses gravity to direct food to the stomach, significantly reducing aspiration risk.
A resident being assisted with feeding consistently coughs or clears their throat after swallowing liquids. What should the HCA do?
Answer: Stop feeding, keep the resident upright, and report the observation to the nurse immediately
Coughing and throat clearing after swallowing are signs of possible aspiration; feeding must stop and the nurse must be notified.
What is the HCA's role in completing a fluid balance record (intake and output chart)?
Answer: Accurately measure and document all fluid intake (oral, IV if visible) and output (urine, emesis, drainage) in millilitres at the specified intervals
Accurate fluid balance documentation is an HCA responsibility; all measured intake and output must be recorded in millilitres.
Which food group is the most important source of protein for tissue repair and immune function in elderly residents?
Answer: Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes, and dairy products
Protein-rich foods are essential for wound healing, immune function, and maintaining muscle mass in elderly residents.