What should the CNA do after leave area around resident's mouth clean & dry?

What should the CNA do after leave area around resident's mouth clean & dry?

• A. Record resident's intake on Food Acceptance Record
• B. Remove clothing protector & tidy area up
• C. Offer fluids during feeding every 3 bites
• D. Offer encouragement to maximize food & fluid intake

Answer: (A)

Accurate intake documentation after a meal is essential because it provides the data the rest of the care team uses to monitor nutrition and hydration and to adjust the care plan as needed. Recording on the Food Acceptance Record captures exactly how much of the offered food and fluids the resident consumed, any refusals, and any leftovers. Doing this promptly ensures the information is current and reliable, helping nurses and dietitians identify issues like poor appetite, dehydration risk, or the need for changes in assistance or dietary plan. After you’ve cleaned and dried the area around the mouth, documenting intake is the next step in completing the feeding process. The other actions—removing the clothing protector and tidying the area, offering fluids every few bites, or giving encouragement—are part of the feeding experience, but they don’t substitute for the essential record that informs ongoing care.

Accurate intake documentation after a meal is essential because it provides the data the rest of the care team uses to monitor nutrition and hydration and to adjust the care plan as needed. Recording on the Food Acceptance Record captures exactly how much of the offered food and fluids the resident consumed, any refusals, and any leftovers. Doing this promptly ensures the information is current and reliable, helping nurses and dietitians identify issues like poor appetite, dehydration risk, or the need for changes in assistance or dietary plan. After you’ve cleaned and dried the area around the mouth, documenting intake is the next step in completing the feeding process. The other actions—removing the clothing protector and tidying the area, offering fluids every few bites, or giving encouragement—are part of the feeding experience, but they don’t substitute for the essential record that informs ongoing care.