Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

What is the primary goal when a nursing assistant helps a resident with eating?

1. To make meal replacement easier

2. To ensure the resident's nutritional needs are met

3. To ensure the food looks appealing

4. To encourage social interactions during meals

The correct answer is: To ensure the resident's nutritional needs are met

The primary goal when a nursing assistant helps a resident with eating is to ensure the resident's nutritional needs are met. This involves providing assistance in a way that promotes proper intake of food, balancing the resident's diet according to their health requirements, and considering any dietary restrictions they may have. Proper nutrition is critical for maintaining overall health, promoting healing, and preventing malnutrition, especially for residents who may have difficulty feeding themselves. While factors such as the appearance of food and social interactions during meals can enhance the dining experience, they are secondary to the main objective of fulfilling the resident's nutritional needs. Meal replacement options may provide convenience, but they are not a substitute for the careful attention needed to ensure that residents receive the proper nourishment essential for their well-being. Therefore, the focus always remains on the residents’ nutritional health as the most critical aspect of their care during meal assistance.