HCA - Health Care Assistant Nutrition and Hydration Questions and Answers

Question 1

A resident who had a stroke frequently coughs and chokes while drinking water.
The care plan now specifies that the resident is to receive nectar-thick liquids.
What is the primary reason for this dietary modification?

Accepted Answer

To slow the flow of liquid, allowing more time for a safe swallow.

Answer

To improve the taste of the water.

Answer

To increase the caloric content of the fluid.

Answer

To prevent the resident from drinking too quickly.

Question 2

Which of the following is a common early sign of dehydration that a Health Care Assistant should observe for and report to the nurse, especially in an older adult?

Accepted Answer

Confusion or new dizziness.

Answer

Increased urine output.

Answer

Swelling in the ankles.

Answer

Moist mucous membranes.

Question 3

A client with congestive heart failure (CHF) is on a low-sodium diet to help manage fluid retention. Which of the following meal choices would be MOST appropriate for the Health Care Assistant to offer?

Accepted Answer

A baked fish fillet with steamed green beans and a side of fresh fruit.

Answer

A canned chicken noodle soup with salted crackers.

Answer

A ham and cheese sandwich on white bread with a pickle.

Answer

A pre-packaged frozen lasagna dinner.

Question 4

A Health Care Assistant is recording a resident's fluid intake for a meal. Which of the following items should be measured and included in the total fluid intake calculation?

Accepted Answer

Gelatin (e.g., Jell-O).

Answer

A scoop of mashed potatoes.

Answer

A serving of applesauce.

Answer

A small bowl of pudding.

Question 5

Which of the following actions by a Health Care Assistant is most effective in encouraging a resident with a poor appetite to improve their nutritional intake?

Accepted Answer

Offering smaller, more frequent meals and nutrient-dense snacks throughout the day.

Answer

Insisting the resident finish their entire meal before they can have dessert.

Answer

Turning on the television to a news program to provide a distraction during the meal.

Answer

Standing over the resident during the meal to ensure they are eating continuously.

Question 6

A Health Care Assistant is preparing to assist a resident, who is in bed, with their lunch. To minimize the risk of aspiration, what is the MOST important initial action the HCA should take?

Accepted Answer

Raise the head of the bed to an upright, sitting position (at least 45-90 degrees).

Answer

Ensure the food is cut into very small, bite-sized pieces.

Answer

Check that the meal is at a comfortably warm temperature.

Answer

Place a clothing protector over the resident's gown and chest.

A resident who had a stroke frequently coughs and chokes while drinking water.The care plan now specifies that the resident is to receive nectar-thick liquids.What is the primary reason for this dietary modification?

A resident who had a stroke frequently coughs and chokes while drinking water.
The care plan now specifies that the resident is to receive nectar-thick liquids.
What is the primary reason for this dietary modification?