CNA Nutrition and Hydration Management — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which observation indicates a resident may be at risk for dehydration?
- Clear, pale yellow urine and moist mucous membranes
- Dark urine, dry mouth, and decreased urine output (Correct answer)
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Skin that springs back immediately when pinched
Correct answer: Dark urine, dry mouth, and decreased urine output
Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, dark concentrated urine, decreased urine output, sunken eyes, poor skin turgor, confusion, and dizziness. CNAs should monitor these signs and report them to the nurse, as dehydration can cause serious complications in elderly residents.
Question 2: A resident has a prescribed fluid restriction. How should the CNA manage this?
- Encourage fluids freely to prevent dehydration
- Only restrict obvious liquids like water and juice
- Measure all fluids carefully and stay within the prescribed daily limit (Correct answer)
- Ignore the restriction unless the nurse specifically reminds you
Correct answer: Measure all fluids carefully and stay within the prescribed daily limit
When a resident has a prescribed fluid restriction, the CNA must carefully measure and track all fluid intake and not offer fluids beyond the prescribed limit. All fluids—including soups, ice cream, and gelatin—count toward the restriction and must be documented accurately.
Question 3: Which diet is appropriate for a resident who has recently had abdominal surgery?
- High-fiber diet to promote bowel function
- Regular diet with no modifications
- Clear liquid diet as ordered, progressing as tolerated (Correct answer)
- High-fat diet to support healing
Correct answer: Clear liquid diet as ordered, progressing as tolerated
After abdominal surgery, the gastrointestinal tract needs time to recover. A clear liquid diet (water, broth, clear juice, gelatin) is typically prescribed first. The diet is progressively advanced as tolerated based on physician orders.
Question 4: What does BMI stand for and why is it relevant to a CNA's responsibilities?
- Balanced Meal Index — tracks meal quality
- Body Mass Index — helps assess nutritional status and obesity risk (Correct answer)
- Bowel Movement Indicator — monitors digestive health
- Basic Metabolic Input — guides IV fluid administration
Correct answer: Body Mass Index — helps assess nutritional status and obesity risk
BMI stands for Body Mass Index, a measure of body weight relative to height. CNAs help monitor residents' nutritional status by weighing residents regularly and reporting significant weight changes, which may indicate malnutrition or other health problems.
Question 5: A CNA notices a resident has not been eating well for several days and has lost weight. What should the CNA do?
- Increase the resident's physical activity to stimulate appetite
- Document it at the end of the week
- Report the findings to the nurse and document intake and weight accurately (Correct answer)
- Give the resident nutritional supplements without consulting the nurse
Correct answer: Report the findings to the nurse and document intake and weight accurately
Weight loss and poor oral intake in a resident must be reported to the nurse promptly. These findings can indicate depression, oral pain, medication side effects, dysphagia, or other medical issues requiring evaluation and intervention.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a calorie count in a long-term care facility?
- To ensure the kitchen staff is preparing enough food
- To accurately track what a resident eats and drinks to assess nutritional intake (Correct answer)
- To count calories for weight loss purposes only
- To prevent residents from eating between meals
Correct answer: To accurately track what a resident eats and drinks to assess nutritional intake
A calorie count is ordered when a resident's nutritional intake needs to be carefully monitored. The CNA documents all foods and fluids consumed, including amounts left uneaten. This information is used by dietitians and nurses to evaluate nutritional status and adjust dietary orders.
CNA Nutrition and Hydration Management
Which observation indicates a resident may be at risk for dehydration?