Florida Nursing Assistant Competency Pracrice Exam

When feeding clients, what approach should be taken with food and liquids?

1. Offer only liquids to prevent choking

2. Alternate liquids and solids

3. Serve meals quickly to save time

4. Only provide pureed foods

The correct answer is: Alternate liquids and solids

When feeding clients, alternating liquids and solids is a beneficial approach because it aids in the proper swallowing process and enhances the overall dining experience. This method allows for better digestion and helps prevent choking, as alternating gives clients the chance to swallow solid food more easily. Additionally, alternating between liquids and solids can stimulate the appetite and encourage clients to eat more, as the change in texture and consistency can make meals more enjoyable. It also helps to ensure adequate hydration, which is essential for overall health, especially among clients who may have difficulty eating or swallowing. While other options may seem appealing for specific individual circumstances, they do not promote a balanced and safe feeding routine for the majority of clients. For example, purely offering liquids might neglect nutritional needs, and serving meals quickly does not consider the importance of the eating experience. Only providing pureed foods could limit the client's dietary variety and enjoyment of meals. Thus, the alternating approach strikes a balance, making it the most effective choice.