PCA Nutrition & Hydration 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sign most clearly indicates a client may be dehydrated?
- Frequent urination with pale yellow urine
- Dark yellow or amber-colored urine (Correct answer)
- Swollen ankles and feet
- Increased appetite between meals
Correct answer: Dark yellow or amber-colored urine
Dark, concentrated urine is a key indicator of dehydration because the kidneys conserve water when fluid intake is too low.
Question 2: An elderly client often forgets to drink fluids throughout the day. The best approach for the PCA is to:
- Restrict fluids to prevent incontinence accidents
- Offer small amounts of fluid frequently throughout the day (Correct answer)
- Only provide fluids at scheduled mealtimes
- Wait until the client asks for something to drink
Correct answer: Offer small amounts of fluid frequently throughout the day
Offering small, frequent fluid servings ensures adequate hydration for clients who forget to drink on their own.
Question 3: A client's care plan includes intake and output (I&O) monitoring. What is the PCA's primary responsibility?
- Record all fluids consumed and urine output accurately (Correct answer)
- Track only solid food intake
- Estimate fluid amounts when unsure
- Document only if the amount seems unusual
Correct answer: Record all fluids consumed and urine output accurately
Accurate I&O monitoring requires measuring and recording all fluid intake and all urine output without guessing.
Question 4: When assisting a client to eat, the PCA should position them:
- Lying flat in bed for maximum comfort
- In an upright position at 90 degrees when possible (Correct answer)
- Slightly reclined at 30 degrees
- Turned to one side to aid swallowing
Correct answer: In an upright position at 90 degrees when possible
An upright 90-degree sitting position uses gravity to guide food safely to the stomach and reduces aspiration risk.
Question 5: A client observes a Halal diet for religious reasons. The PCA should:
- Assume all facility food is acceptable
- Serve standard meals since pork is common
- Respect and accommodate the dietary preference as noted in the care plan (Correct answer)
- Follow cultural food restrictions only on religious holidays
Correct answer: Respect and accommodate the dietary preference as noted in the care plan
PCAs must always respect and accommodate religious, cultural, and personal dietary preferences as documented in the care plan.
Question 6: Which beverage, if consumed in large amounts, can contribute to dehydration?
- Water
- Herbal tea
- Caffeinated coffee (Correct answer)
- Clear broth
Correct answer: Caffeinated coffee
Caffeine has a mild diuretic effect that increases urine output, which can contribute to fluid loss if consumed excessively.
Question 7: A client who is visually impaired needs assistance at mealtime. The most appropriate action is to:
- Feed the client entirely without involving them
- Describe food locations using clock positions and assist only as needed (Correct answer)
- Mash all foods together to make eating easier
- Skip verbal descriptions since the client cannot see the plate
Correct answer: Describe food locations using clock positions and assist only as needed
Describing food locations using clock positions (e.g., 'potatoes at 3 o'clock') promotes independence and dignity for visually impaired clients.
PCA Nutrition & Hydration 3
Which sign most clearly indicates a client may be dehydrated?