Nutrition and Fluids — practice questions

5% of the exam ≈4 real questions 6 free questions here

Five percent: feeding safely, therapeutic diets, thickened liquids, fluid restrictions, dehydration, and measuring intake and output. The arithmetic is simple and appears every time: one ounce is 30 mL.

Where people lose points

• Sit the client upright, close to 90 degrees, to eat, and keep them upright afterward if the care plan calls for it.
• Anything liquid at room temperature counts as fluid: gelatin, ice cream, soup.
• Thickened-liquid orders cover every liquid, including water.
• A clear liquid diet excludes milk and cream soups; a full liquid diet includes them.
• Older adults lose their sense of thirst. Dark urine, dry mouth and new confusion point to dehydration.

Questions and answers, explained

All 4 questions above, with the correct answer and why it is correct. Everything here is on nutrition and fluids.

1. Which is a sign of dehydration in an older adult?

   • APale, frequent urine and moist lips
   • BSwollen ankles, puffy hands and a rapid gain in body weight
   • CDark urine, dry mouth and new confusionCorrect
   • DA strong appetite and steady energy

   Why: Dark concentrated urine, a dry mouth, dizziness, constipation and new confusion are signs of dehydration, which older adults develop easily because thirst weakens with age. Swelling and rapid weight gain suggest fluid overload instead.

   Reference 42 CFR 484.80(b)(3)(xii)

2. A client with swallowing problems is ordered thickened liquids. Which practice is correct?

   • AGive thin water between meals, since it is only water
   • BThicken only the hot drinks, not the cold ones
   • CThicken every liquid to the ordered consistency, including waterCorrect
   • DLet the client decide which drinks need thickening based on how they feel

   Why: Thin liquids flow fast and can slip into the airway before a person with dysphagia can swallow. Every liquid, including water, ice cream that melts, and soups, must match the consistency the speech-language pathologist or doctor ordered.

   Reference IDDSI framework; dysphagia precautions

3. Which food is allowed on a clear liquid diet?

   • AA glass of milk
   • BCream of mushroom soup
   • CClear chicken brothCorrect
   • DOrange juice with pulp

   Why: A clear liquid diet includes liquids you can see through: water, clear broth, apple juice, plain gelatin, and clear sodas. Milk, cream soups and juices with pulp are not clear; they belong on a full liquid diet.

   Reference Therapeutic diet definitions

4. Which action may help a client with a poor appetite eat more?

   • ARushing the meal so it ends quickly
   • BServing foods the client likes in a pleasant settingCorrect
   • CServing the same meal every day
   • DDoing toileting care right before eating

   Why: Favorite foods, attractive presentation, good mouth care, a calm setting and company at meals all improve appetite. A rushed meal or unpleasant care right before eating discourages it. A continuing poor appetite or weight loss is reported.

   Reference 42 CFR 484.80(b)(3)(xii)

Topics inside this domain

• Emergencies for home health aides: choking, stroke, seizures

Drill other domains

• Role, Responsibilities and Ethics (15%)
• Observation, Vital Signs and Reporting (10%)
• Personal Care and Hygiene (13%)
• Mobility, Transfers and Positioning (9%)
• Infection Control (7%)
• Safety and Emergencies (7%)

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