PCA Nutrition & Hydration 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client has dysphagia. The PCA should serve foods that are:
- Hard and crunchy for texture stimulation
- Pureed or soft as directed by the care plan (Correct answer)
- Dry to reduce moisture in the airway
- Served at very cold temperatures only
Correct answer: Pureed or soft as directed by the care plan
Dysphagia requires texture-modified foods such as pureed or soft foods to prevent food from entering the airway.
Question 2: When serving thickened liquids to a client, the PCA should:
- Add extra water to thin them if the client complains
- Follow the consistency level specified in the care plan exactly (Correct answer)
- Use any thickener available in the kitchen
- Skip thickening on days the client refuses the texture
Correct answer: Follow the consistency level specified in the care plan exactly
The prescribed liquid consistency must be followed exactly to prevent aspiration and keep the client safe.
Question 3: A diabetic client's meal plan restricts added sugar. Which snack is most appropriate to offer?
- A candy bar
- Regular soda
- Fresh apple slices (Correct answer)
- Sweetened flavored yogurt
Correct answer: Fresh apple slices
Fresh fruit contains natural sugars with fiber and is more appropriate for diabetic clients than foods with added sugar.
Question 4: A client on a low-sodium diet asks the PCA to add extra salt to their food. The PCA should:
- Add a small pinch since a little will not hurt
- Substitute with seasoning salt instead
- Decline and explain the dietary restriction (Correct answer)
- Allow it just this one time as an exception
Correct answer: Decline and explain the dietary restriction
The PCA must follow the prescribed low-sodium diet and cannot add salt even at the client's request.
Question 5: What does 'NPO' mean when noted in a client's care plan?
- No potassium overnight
- Nothing by mouth (Correct answer)
- Normal protein only
- No processed oils
Correct answer: Nothing by mouth
NPO stands for 'nil per os,' meaning the client may receive nothing by mouth, including food, water, and medications given orally.
Question 6: A client with chronic kidney disease should limit dietary intake of which nutrients?
- Water and leafy greens only
- Potassium, phosphorus, and sodium (Correct answer)
- Protein and fat only
- Vitamin C and iron only
Correct answer: Potassium, phosphorus, and sodium
Renal diets restrict potassium, phosphorus, and sodium because damaged kidneys cannot effectively filter these minerals.
Question 7: A client receiving tube feeding vomits during the feeding. The PCA should:
- Continue the feeding at a slower rate
- Add more formula to compensate for what was lost
- Stop the feeding and notify the nurse immediately (Correct answer)
- Reposition the tube and resume feeding
Correct answer: Stop the feeding and notify the nurse immediately
Vomiting during tube feeding is a serious complication that requires stopping the feed and reporting to the nurse right away.
PCA Nutrition & Hydration 2
A client has dysphagia.
The PCA should serve foods that are: