HCA - Health Care Assistant Nutrition and Hydration Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

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?

Accepted Answer

Do not serve the food; report to the nurse and dietary department and obtain the correct texture modification

Answer

Blend the food yourself to the closest possible consistency

Answer

Allow the resident to eat the regular texture slowly with supervision

Answer

Serve the food but tell the resident to chew very carefully

Question 2

Which of the following signs may indicate dehydration in an elderly resident?

Accepted Answer

Dry mucous membranes, concentrated dark urine, confusion, and skin tenting

Answer

Increased urine output and normal skin turgor

Answer

Decreased blood pressure and flushed skin only in the morning

Answer

Mild fatigue that resolves with a short rest

Question 3

What is the most appropriate position for a resident during and after oral feeding to reduce aspiration risk?

Accepted Answer

Upright at 90 degrees (sitting fully upright) during feeding and for at least 30 minutes after

Answer

Semi-reclined at 30 degrees to reduce fatigue during eating

Answer

Lying flat to prevent choking by keeping food at the same level as the throat

Answer

Position does not matter as long as the resident can swallow independently

Question 4

A resident being assisted with feeding consistently coughs or clears their throat after swallowing liquids. What should the HCA do?

Accepted Answer

Stop feeding, keep the resident upright, and report the observation to the nurse immediately

Answer

Continue feeding but use a straw to control the speed of liquid intake

Answer

Encourage the resident to eat and drink faster to reduce repeated exposure

Answer

Thin the liquids with extra water to make them easier to swallow

Question 5

What is the HCA's role in completing a fluid balance record (intake and output chart)?

Accepted Answer

Accurately measure and document all fluid intake (oral, IV if visible) and output (urine, emesis, drainage) in millilitres at the specified intervals

Answer

Record only oral fluid intake as IV fluids are managed by nursing

Answer

Estimate fluid intake based on a visual assessment at the end of the shift

Answer

Fluid balance records are completed only by the nurse; HCA role is verbal reporting only

Question 6

Which food group is the most important source of protein for tissue repair and immune function in elderly residents?

Accepted Answer

Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes, and dairy products

Answer

Breads, cereals, and pasta as high-energy sources

Answer

Fruits and vegetables as antioxidant sources

Answer

Fats and oils as concentrated energy sources