PSW Nutrition and Hydration 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the general daily water intake recommendation for most adults?
- 4–5 cups (1 liter)
- 6–8 cups (1.5 liters)
- 8–10 cups (2–2.5 liters) (Correct answer)
- 15–20 cups (4 liters)
Correct answer: 8–10 cups (2–2.5 liters)
Most adults should aim for approximately 8–10 cups (2–2.5 liters) of fluid per day to maintain proper hydration.
Question 2: Which of the following is an early sign of dehydration in a client?
- Increased urine output
- Dark yellow urine and dry mouth (Correct answer)
- Swollen ankles
- High blood pressure
Correct answer: Dark yellow urine and dry mouth
Dark yellow urine and dry mouth are early indicators that the body lacks adequate fluid intake.
Question 3: A client is prescribed nectar-thick liquids due to dysphagia. What consistency does this most closely resemble?
- Water
- Honey
- Fruit nectar or tomato juice (Correct answer)
- Pudding
Correct answer: Fruit nectar or tomato juice
Nectar-thick liquids have a consistency similar to fruit nectar or tomato juice, thicker than water but thinner than honey.
Question 4: When assisting a client with a meal, what is the PSW's most important responsibility?
- Ensuring the meal is finished quickly
- Encouraging the client to eat independently as much as possible while ensuring safety (Correct answer)
- Feeding the entire meal to save time
- Choosing the client's food based on PSW preference
Correct answer: Encouraging the client to eat independently as much as possible while ensuring safety
PSWs should promote client independence and dignity while monitoring for safety risks such as choking.
Question 5: Which of the following groups of nutrients are classified as macronutrients?
- Vitamins, minerals, and water
- Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats (Correct answer)
- Calcium, iron, and zinc
- Fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals
Correct answer: Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats
Macronutrients are carbohydrates, proteins, and fats — the three nutrients the body requires in large amounts for energy.
Question 6: A client refuses to eat their meal. What should the PSW do first?
- Force the client to eat to meet nutritional needs
- Document the refusal and report it to the supervisor (Correct answer)
- Replace the meal with a snack without informing anyone
- Ignore the refusal if it only happens once
Correct answer: Document the refusal and report it to the supervisor
Refusing to eat can be a sign of a health or emotional issue, so the PSW must document and report it to the care team promptly.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of maintaining a food and fluid intake record for a client?
- To monitor the client's budget
- To track dietary intake and identify nutritional or hydration concerns (Correct answer)
- To ensure the PSW is preparing meals correctly
- To satisfy legal requirements only
Correct answer: To track dietary intake and identify nutritional or hydration concerns
Food and fluid records help the care team identify patterns such as decreased intake, which may indicate health concerns requiring intervention.
PSW Nutrition and Hydration 1
What is the general daily water intake recommendation for most adults?