Free HHA Nutrition and Hydration Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

An elderly patient's sense of thirst often decreases with age. This means the aide should:

Accepted Answer

Encourage regular fluid intake throughout the day even when the patient does not report thirst

Answer

Reduce fluid intake because the patient is not thirsty

Answer

Only offer fluids at mealtimes

Answer

Restrict fluids to prevent incontinence

Question 2

Signs of dehydration in a home-care patient include:

Accepted Answer

Dark concentrated urine, dry mouth, confusion, and decreased skin turgor

Answer

Frequent urination with clear urine

Answer

Excessive sweating only

Answer

Weight gain and swelling

Question 3

A patient has been prescribed a mechanical soft diet. This means:

Accepted Answer

Foods are soft or minced to require minimal chewing, suitable for patients with swallowing or chewing difficulties

Answer

The patient eats only liquids

Answer

The patient may eat any food if it is heated thoroughly

Answer

Food is pureed to a completely smooth consistency

Question 4

What is the aide's role regarding a patient's prescribed therapeutic diet (e.g., low-sodium, diabetic)?

Accepted Answer

Prepare and offer foods that comply with the prescribed diet, encourage adherence, and report non-compliance

Answer

Adjust the diet based on the patient's preference, ignoring medical orders

Answer

Only implement the diet on weekdays

Answer

Assume the family will manage the diet without aide involvement

Question 5

If a patient with a swallowing disorder (dysphagia) coughs and chokes during a meal, the aide should:

Accepted Answer

Stop feeding, allow the patient to clear the airway, sit them upright, and report the episode to the supervisor

Answer

Continue feeding and ignore mild coughing

Answer

Give the patient a glass of thin liquid immediately

Answer

Have the patient tilt their head back to open the airway

Question 6

Unintentional weight loss in a home-care patient is significant because:

Accepted Answer

It can indicate malnutrition, disease progression, depression, or difficulty eating, all of which require medical evaluation

Answer

Weight loss is always a desired outcome in elderly patients

Answer

It only matters if the patient asks about it

Answer

It is common and expected without clinical significance