What should the CNA do after offering fluids during feeding every 3 bites?

What should the CNA do after offering fluids during feeding every 3 bites?

• A. Record resident's intake on Food Acceptance Record
• B. Offer encouragement to maximize food & fluid intake
• C. Remove clothing protector & tidy area up
• D. Leave area around resident's mouth clean & dry

Answer: (B)

During mealtime, the goal is to support the resident’s ability to eat and drink as much as they comfortably can. After offering fluids, providing encouragement helps motivate the resident to continue taking sips and bites, which supports both hydration and nutrition. This positive reinforcement reassures them, reduces mealtime anxiety, and promotes participation without pressuring or rushing. The other tasks—recording intake, tidying up clothing or the area around the mouth—are important parts of care but do not directly advance the resident’s ongoing intake at that moment. So encouraging the resident to maximize food and fluid intake best aligns with the immediate aim of sustaining nutrition and hydration during feeding.

During mealtime, the goal is to support the resident’s ability to eat and drink as much as they comfortably can. After offering fluids, providing encouragement helps motivate the resident to continue taking sips and bites, which supports both hydration and nutrition. This positive reinforcement reassures them, reduces mealtime anxiety, and promotes participation without pressuring or rushing. The other tasks—recording intake, tidying up clothing or the area around the mouth—are important parts of care but do not directly advance the resident’s ongoing intake at that moment. So encouraging the resident to maximize food and fluid intake best aligns with the immediate aim of sustaining nutrition and hydration during feeding.