What is a CNA's role during meals?

• A. Provide assistance as directed, ensure safety (upright), cut food if needed, offer fluids, and monitor intake.
• B. Prepare meals for the entire facility.
• C. Eat for the resident.
• D. Only pass trays and leave.

Answer: (A)

During meals, a CNA’s job is to support the resident with eating and drinking as directed, while keeping safety the top priority. This means helping the resident stay upright during the meal and for a bit after to reduce the risk of choking or aspiration, cutting food into small, manageable pieces if needed, offering fluids, and assisting with feeding as required by the resident’s plan of care. The CNA also observes for any swallowing difficulties, coughing, or signs of distress and promptly reports these to the nurse. Tracking how much the resident eats and drinks helps monitor nutrition and hydration, so the CNA records intake and communicates changes. The role involves staying with the resident to provide help as needed rather than simply passing trays and leaving. They don’t prepare meals for the whole facility, and they don’t eat for the resident.