GNA GNA - Geriatric Nursing Assistant Nutrition and Hydration 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident refuses to eat their meal. What is the FIRST action the GNA should take?
- Document refusal and notify the nurse (Correct answer)
- Force the resident to eat
- Remove the tray without comment
- Give the resident a snack instead
Correct answer: Document refusal and notify the nurse
Refusing meals must be documented and reported to the nurse so the care team can assess the resident's nutritional status.
Question 2: Which position is safest for a resident while eating to prevent aspiration?
- Supine (flat on back)
- Semi-Fowler's at 30 degrees
- High Fowler's (sitting upright at 90 degrees) (Correct answer)
- Side-lying
Correct answer: High Fowler's (sitting upright at 90 degrees)
Sitting upright at 90 degrees (High Fowler's) keeps the airway open and reduces the risk of food or liquid entering the lungs.
Question 3: A resident on a thickened-liquid diet asks for a glass of water. The GNA should:
- Give water since hydration is important
- Add thickener to the water before offering it
- Tell the resident they cannot have any fluids
- Report to the nurse and follow the care plan (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Report to the nurse and follow the care plan
Thickened liquids are prescribed to prevent aspiration, so the GNA must follow the care plan and consult the nurse before offering any fluids.
Question 4: Which sign indicates that a resident may be dehydrated?
- Pink, moist mucous membranes
- Dark yellow urine with strong odor (Correct answer)
- Skin that springs back when pinched
- Blood pressure within normal range
Correct answer: Dark yellow urine with strong odor
Dark yellow, concentrated urine with a strong odor is a common sign of dehydration and should be reported to the nurse.
Question 5: When recording a resident's fluid intake, 1 cup (8 oz) of juice equals how many milliliters (mL)?
- 120 mL
- 180 mL
- 240 mL (Correct answer)
- 300 mL
Correct answer: 240 mL
8 fluid ounces equals 240 mL, which is the standard conversion used in healthcare settings for fluid intake documentation.
Question 6: A resident with dysphagia is at highest risk for which complication during meals?
- Constipation
- Aspiration pneumonia (Correct answer)
- Hypoglycemia
- Pressure ulcers
Correct answer: Aspiration pneumonia
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) increases the risk of food or liquid entering the airway, which can lead to aspiration pneumonia.
GNA GNA - Geriatric Nursing Assistant Nutrition and Hydration 1
A resident refuses to eat their meal.
What is the FIRST action the GNA should take?