What is the correct procedure for serving a meal to a client who must be fed?

Q: What is an appropriate action when performing denture care for a resident?

The residents mouth should be cleansed before dentures are replaced. Dentures should be stored in water or denture solution, not salt water and they should be cleansed with lukewarm water to prevent damage. Dentures are removed gently from the mouth by moving back and forth or turning the dentures.

As people age, it is common to require more assistance during mealtimes. Losing the ability to eat and drink independently can have a huge impact on overall nutritional intake and quality of life. There are a number of ways we can assist those in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACF) with eating and drinking to maintain a sense of dignity and promote adequate nutritional intake.

Inhaltsverzeichnis Show

Which of the following should you observe and record when admitting a patient?
What is an appropriate action when performing denture care for a resident?
What type of communication can often be most powerful?
What action should you take while assisting a resident who is learning to use a walker?

There are a variety of reasons that residents may need assistance with their meals, such as dementia or impaired cognition, weakness in hands (e.g. arthritis), poor vision, poor appetite, swallowing difficulties, or general weakness and fatigue. Whilst it is important to encourage residents to eat independently where possible, some residents will require assistance with their meals. The level of assistance that residents will need can vary, and may range from:

Supervision, prompting and encouragement
Setting up the meal (removing lids, placing cutlery, pouring drinks)
Cutting up the meal
Providing full feeding assistance

The amount of assistance a resident needs can change from day to day, even meal to meal. Careful observation of residents at mealtimes can give you an indication as to who might need some extra assistance, for example those who do not complete their meal or who have trouble using their utensils.

If you are providing full feeding assistance, it is important to keep the following points in mind to promote good oral intake and ensure that the resident is comfortable during mealtimes:

Check your position: the resident you are assisting should be alert and sitting upright. Sit down in a chair so that you are at eye level with the resident, rather than standing over them.
Ensure that the resident has any necessary aids: dentures, glasses or hearing aids.
Use appropriate utensils: this may vary depending on the individual, however, generally a teaspoon is most comfortable for the resident.
Before starting the meal: check that the meal is what the resident ordered and that the temperature of the meal is correct. If the resident requires extra time with their meals, reheating may be required. Taste diminishes with age, so extra seasoning should be offered.
Take the time to explain to the resident in detail what they are eating: having a positive attitude can assist in improving meal satisfaction.
Serve one course at a time: eating should not be rushed, avoid hovering with the next mouthful whilst the resident is still eating, as this can promote swallowing difficulties. Whilst it is acceptable to include different components of the meal (e.g. meat, sauce, vegetables) in the same spoonful, smooth puree or minced moist meals should never be mixed together on the plate or bowl as this leads to poor presentation and may combine flavours that the resident does not enjoy.
During mealtimes, talking to the resident and taking your time makes mealtimes more enjoyable.
If the resident refuses or does not complete their meal it is important to find out why: there may be potential to offer an alternative, offer the meal at a later time, reheat the meal, or offer extra seasoning or sauces. If oral intake remains poor, this should be reported to the nurse in charge or clinical coordinator for monitoring.

Although mealtimes can be busy, taking the time to help residents who require assistance can lead to improved oral intake and resident enjoyment. For more information regarding mealtime assistance or to arrange staff education sessions, please speak with your Dietitian from the Eat Well Nutrition team.

The meals provided for each patient contain a personal diet required for their recovery. It is essential that the patient is able to get at least 1 bite from each item on the plate. Try to encourage the patient at all times to eat more and drink more, especially if it’s required that the patient has to meet a daily limit. For this task no gloves are required, as there are many patients who are allergic to latex. When you complete the meal, let the patient know that resting in a sitting up position will help with digestion.

Supplies:

Towel Clothing Protector (adult bib for patient)
Chair
Spoon
Washcloths
Food Tray
Snack Recording Sheet
Water Pitcher (Filled)
Drinking Cup

Steps:

Knock on patient’s door, then enter
Greet patient by name, introduce yourself, and what you are doing
Provide for privacy by shutting the curtains
Wash your hands
Check patient’s ID to confirm identity
Gather linens and supplies and place on a tray table covered with a towel
At the sink, wet a washcloth making it warm
Ask the patient if it’s ok to raise the head of bed to 60 degrees
Cover patient’s chest with clothing protector and sit in chair at eye level with patient
Check patient’s diet card and make sure its correct with patient’s name
Pour water into cup from the pitcher
Offer patient to clean their hands with the warm washcloth
Ask patient what food they would like to eat first and then start to feed then with a partially full spoon
Make sure to rotate food items with each bite
About every 3 bites ask if they want a drink and provide so if needed
Encourage the patient to eat as much as they can and pat mouth dry as needed with washcloth.
Make sure to communicate with the resident throughout the meal
When the resident states that they are full, encourage 1 more bite
Put the food tray back on shelf and place the resident in an upright position
Place dirty linens in hamper
Leave water if allowed
Wash your hands
Place the call light in the patient’s hand and pull the curtain closed
Record food and water on the patient’s intake chart

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Which of the following should you observe and record when admitting a patient?

11. Which of the following should you observe and record when admitting a client? The correct answer is C. Failure to notice bruises or marks on the skin on admission may later cause someone to believe you were involved in abuse.

What is an appropriate action when performing denture care for a resident?

The resident's mouth should be cleansed before dentures are replaced. Dentures should be stored in water or denture solution, not salt water and they should be cleansed with lukewarm water to prevent damage. Dentures are removed gently from the mouth by moving back and forth or turning the dentures.

What type of communication can often be most powerful?

Nonverbal communication is perhaps the most powerful form of communication. While a lot of attention is paid to the words we speak, frequently a look or a gesture can say a great deal more. Facial expressions, eye contact, ges- tures, posture, and the tone of our voice convey our interest, comfort, sincerity and mood.

What action should you take while assisting a resident who is learning to use a walker?

Stand beside or behind them for support with a hand on their lower back. Never pull or push the walker forward. Encourage them to keep their head up and look forward instead of looking at their feet When they're walking with a walker, they should follow a pattern that's easy as 1,2,3.