Florida Nursing Assistant Competency Pracrice Exam

What should nursing assistants promote to prevent dehydration among clients?

1. Regular familiarity with patients' preferences

2. Limiting access to fluids during meals

3. Encouraging a minimum intake of fluids

4. Offering only caffeinated beverages

The correct answer is: Encouraging a minimum intake of fluids

Encouraging a minimum intake of fluids is crucial in preventing dehydration among clients, especially for those who may not recognize their own thirst or have limited mobility. Nursing assistants play an essential role in monitoring and promoting adequate hydration by ensuring that clients consume enough fluids throughout the day. Proper hydration helps maintain physiological functions, supports kidney health, and can prevent complications such as urinary tract infections and constipation. Recommending a specific minimum intake creates a structured approach to hydration, encouraging clients to drink fluids at regular intervals and allowing nursing assistants to track their fluid intake accurately. This proactive step helps mitigate the risk of dehydration, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly or those with certain medical conditions. The other options do not effectively address the prevention of dehydration. Familiarity with patient preferences is valuable but not directly impactful by itself in ensuring fluid intake. Limiting access to fluids during meals can contribute to reduced overall fluid consumption, which is counterproductive. Offering only caffeinated beverages might lead to dehydration due to their diuretic effects, rather than promoting healthy hydration strategies.