UNAR Nutrition and Hydration Assistance 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What are the signs and symptoms of choking?
- Universal choking sign (hands at throat), inability to speak or cough, cyanosis, and stridor (Correct answer)
- Only coughing
- Only turning red
- No visible signs exist
Correct answer: Universal choking sign (hands at throat), inability to speak or cough, cyanosis, and stridor
Recognizing choking signs enables immediate life-saving intervention.
Question 2: How should a CNA assist with feeding?
- Position upright at 90 degrees, offer small bites, alternate foods and liquids, and allow adequate time (Correct answer)
- Feed as quickly as possible
- Position the patient lying down
- Force food if the patient resists
Correct answer: Position upright at 90 degrees, offer small bites, alternate foods and liquids, and allow adequate time
Safe feeding practices prevent aspiration and promote dignity and nutrition.
Question 3: What is aspiration and how is it prevented?
- Aspiration is food or liquid entering the airway; prevented by upright positioning and proper feeding techniques (Correct answer)
- It cannot be prevented
- Only thick liquids cause aspiration
- Aspiration is not dangerous
Correct answer: Aspiration is food or liquid entering the airway; prevented by upright positioning and proper feeding techniques
Aspiration can cause pneumonia and death; proper positioning and feeding techniques significantly reduce risk.
Question 4: What dietary modifications might be ordered?
- Thickened liquids, pureed foods, mechanical soft diet, diabetic diet, low-sodium diet, or calorie-restricted diet (Correct answer)
- All patients eat the same food
- Only liquid diets exist
- Diet modifications are unnecessary
Correct answer: Thickened liquids, pureed foods, mechanical soft diet, diabetic diet, low-sodium diet, or calorie-restricted diet
Modified diets address swallowing difficulties, medical conditions, and nutritional needs.
Question 5: How should fluid intake be encouraged?
- Offer preferred beverages frequently, track I&O when ordered, and report inadequate intake (Correct answer)
- Force fluids at every opportunity
- Only offer water
- Fluid intake monitoring is unnecessary
Correct answer: Offer preferred beverages frequently, track I&O when ordered, and report inadequate intake
Adequate hydration prevents UTIs, constipation, and other complications; tracking helps identify problems early.
Question 6: What should be documented about nutritional intake?
- Percentage of meal eaten, fluid amounts consumed, any swallowing difficulties, and food preferences (Correct answer)
- Only whether the patient ate
- Documentation is not needed
- Only calorie counts
Correct answer: Percentage of meal eaten, fluid amounts consumed, any swallowing difficulties, and food preferences
Detailed nutritional documentation helps the care team assess adequacy and adjust plans.
UNAR Nutrition and Hydration Assistance 1
What are the signs and symptoms of choking?