FEEDING ASSISTANCE TECHNIQUES
What is it called when an NA puts her hand over the resident's hand to help guide a utensil from plate to mouth?
hand-over-hand
What is the medical term for difficulty swallowing?
dysphagia
The daily fluid intake recommendation for a healthy person is ______ ounces.
64
This Latin abbreviation means "nothing by mouth."
NPO
Name at least two SIGNS that can indicate dehydration.
dry mouth, cracked lips, and sunken eyes
EXPLAIN how imagining a clock can help visually impaired residents eat.
A NA can use the position of clock numbers to help guide a resident to different foods.
____________ occurs when food or fluid is inhaled into the lungs.
Aspiration
Name three forms of elimination which are considered output and must be measured.
urine, feces, vomitus, perspiration, exhaled moisture, and wound drainage
When a resident has an order to restrict fluids, the NA must not give any extra fluids without approval from ______ ________.
the nurse
A daily weight gain two or more pounds may indicate ______ ________ in residents with heart or kidney disease.
fluid overload
What is it called when a resident stores food in their cheek instead of swallowing it?
Pocketing food
At what angle must residents be placed to avoid aspiration?
upright; 90 degrees
_________ occurs when a person's intake exceeds output, causing fluid to build up in body tissues leading to swelling.
fluid retention or edema
How does the appearance of urine change of a resident is not getting enough fluid?
It becomes darker (more concentrated).
Swelling, tight, smooth, and shiny skin can be a sign of __________.
edema or fluid overload
What should an NA do if a resident pockets food?
Gently push the resident's cheek to move the food toward the resident's teeth.
Name two SIGNS that can indicate swallowing problems.
coughing, choking, gurgling, voice loss
If a resident eats less than this percentage of their meal, the NA should report it to the nurse immediately.
75%
Some residents don't drink enough because age causes them to feel less th_________.
thirsty
If an NA suspects a resident has a new swallowing problem, what should s/he do?
Report it to the nurse right away?
If a resident has hemiparalysis, on which side of the mouth should the food be placed, the affected or unaffected side?
unaffected (stronger)
After eating and drinking, how long should residents should remain in an upright position?
at least 30 minutes
When using a graduate to measure urine output, the NA should put the graduate on a flat surface and read it from ______-level.
eye
Name at least two frozen or semi-solid items that also count as fluid intake.
ice chips, gelatin, popsicles
What should a NA always do before feeding a resident? (Don't make it too hard!)
wash hands