What is the role of the CNA in assisting with feeding patients?

The role of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in assisting with feeding patients is crucial for promoting the safety and well-being of those they care for. By ensuring proper positioning and monitoring for choking, the CNA plays an essential role in helping patients eat safely. Proper positioning, such as having the patient sit upright, is important to reduce the risk of aspiration, which can occur if food or liquid enters the airway instead of the stomach.

Moreover, monitoring for choking involves being attentive to the patient while they eat, watching for signs of difficulty swallowing, and being prepared to intervene if a patient shows distress. This vigilance is especially necessary for patients who may have swallowing difficulties, cognitive impairments, or other conditions that increase their risk during mealtime.

The focus on safety and assistance reflects the CNA's training and responsibility in providing dignified care while ensuring that patients receive adequate nutrition. The other options do not align with the comprehensive care and supervision that a CNA is trained to provide during feeding. Proper assistance involves more than just serving meals or preparing food; it encompasses an attentive and supportive approach to each patient's unique needs.