HHA Nutrition and Hydration 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client on a sodium-restricted diet asks for canned soup. What should the HHA do?
- Serve it since soup is mostly water
- Check the sodium content on the label before serving (Correct answer)
- Add extra water to dilute the sodium
- Serve only half a portion to reduce sodium intake
Correct answer: Check the sodium content on the label before serving
Canned soups are typically high in sodium, so the HHA must check the label to ensure it complies with the client's diet order.
Question 2: Which sign indicates a client may be experiencing dehydration?
- Frequent urination with pale yellow urine
- Dark yellow or amber-colored urine (Correct answer)
- Swollen ankles and feet
- Increased appetite
Correct answer: Dark yellow or amber-colored urine
Dark yellow or amber urine is a key indicator of dehydration, as concentrated urine signals insufficient fluid intake.
Question 3: When assisting a client with a pureed diet, the HHA should ensure food is:
- Served at room temperature to prevent burns
- Smooth with no lumps or chunks (Correct answer)
- Mixed together in one bowl to save time
- Thinned with water until liquid consistency
Correct answer: Smooth with no lumps or chunks
Pureed foods must be completely smooth with no lumps to ensure safe swallowing for clients with chewing or swallowing difficulties.
Question 4: A client with diabetes refuses to eat their meal and takes insulin. The HHA should:
- Document the refusal and leave the client alone
- Offer an alternative food from the approved diet plan (Correct answer)
- Skip reporting since the client is an adult
- Give the client a sugary drink to prevent low blood sugar
Correct answer: Offer an alternative food from the approved diet plan
When a diabetic client who has taken insulin refuses a meal, the HHA should offer an alternative from the approved plan and report to the supervisor immediately.
Question 5: How much fluid intake is generally recommended per day for an average adult client without fluid restrictions?
- 1–2 cups (8–16 oz)
- 4–5 cups (32–40 oz)
- 6–8 cups (48–64 oz) (Correct answer)
- 12–14 cups (96–112 oz)
Correct answer: 6–8 cups (48–64 oz)
Most adults need approximately 6–8 cups (48–64 oz) of fluid daily to maintain adequate hydration.
Question 6: A client on a mechanical soft diet can safely eat which of the following?
- Raw carrots
- Hard pretzels
- Scrambled eggs (Correct answer)
- Whole almonds
Correct answer: Scrambled eggs
Scrambled eggs are soft and easy to chew, making them appropriate for a mechanical soft diet.
Question 7: Which nutrient is most important for wound healing in a client with a pressure injury?
- Carbohydrates
- Protein (Correct answer)
- Dietary fat
- Vitamin D
Correct answer: Protein
Protein is essential for tissue repair and wound healing, making adequate protein intake especially important for clients with pressure injuries.
HHA Nutrition and Hydration 2
A client on a sodium-restricted diet asks for canned soup.
What should the HHA do?