Nourishment Volunteer Re-certification Quiz

Even if I am already familiar with a patient and their eating restrictions and swallowing strategies, I still need to check their orange wristband every time I help them.

• True

• False

It is ok for patients to share food/drinks if the patient gives the volunteer permission. 

• True

• False

The proper positioning for you when providing nourishment is at ____ with the patient. 

A volunteer can provide nourishment to any patient with an orange wristband as long as you give them the right consistency or texture 

• True

• False

If the patient is weaker on the right side, you should feed them on the left side 

• True

• False

If a patient coughs a few times during the time you are helping them, this is probably not that significant and you don’t need to tell anyone because they were not choking or gagging.  

• True

• False

Even though a patient’s orange wristband says NPO or Nothing by Mouth it is ok to give them ice chips if they ask for it because it’s not really food.

• True

• False

It is acceptable to provide nourishment to a patient while standing up at long as it is more comfortable for me.

• True

• False

There are patients in the hospital that are eating against recommendations. It is not ok for me to help them eat or drink anything, even if they ask me to.  

• True

• False

What is “Bird Feeding” and why is it unsafe to feed a patient in this manner?

• Bird feeding is when you provide nourishment to patients in very small bites. This can be unsafe because patients swallow too much air. Also, feeding in tiny bites often result in the food getting cold since it takes so long to consume the meal. Cold food is bad for the digestive systems of many patients.

• Bird feeding is when you stand higher or above a person while providing nourishment. It is unsafe because the food or liquid can slide off the spoon faster when the spoon is at an angle, but most importantly because it causes the patient to tilt their head upward which opens the airway increasing the risk of food entering the lungs.

• Bird-feeding is when you sit next to the patient, you feed the patient using small amounts of food but angle the spoon downward so you can drop pieces of food into the patient’s mouth like a mother bird drops food into the babies mouths. This is dangerous because the patients are not used to getting fed like this so they could choke on a piece of food.

• Bird feeding is when volunteers provide nourishment to patients outdoors while simultaneously feeding local wildlife such as birds. While this may be enjoyable for some people, the close proximity of wildlife to patients while they are eating can be a health risk. For example, patients can accidentally ingest dander or air born pathogens carried by animals.

Before providing nourishment, Sharon checked a patient's wrist for an orange wristband but did not find one. What is not a possible explanation for this ?

• Fell off/patient took it off

• In a different location (ie: wheelchair, ankle)

• Is not on a restricted diet

• Patient is on a restricted diet, but refused to wear one

• Only patients that can be fed by volunteers wear orange wristbands

Ice cream and ice chips are considered a thin fluid

• True

• False

When providing nourishment to patients only swallowing is important so I should not engage in conversation with them.

• True

• False

The two most important instances you need to practice good hand hygiene when providing nourishment to patients are:

• Before feeding a patient and when leaving the hospital

• After portering a patient and in between helping patients

• Before feeding a patient and in between helping patients

• When leaving the hospital and after portering a patient

Which of the following foods would be appropriate for a patient on a soft diet: (Check all that apply. There can be more than one answer)

• Fish

• Peanuts

• Apple Slices

• Lasagna

• Carrot Sticks

• Boiled Vegetables (broccoli, peas, corn, beans)

• Crackers

• Chips

• Waffles

• Toast

Janiece has been providing nourishment to Mr. E on Fridays at lunchtime for the past year. Since she has been working with Mr. E for so long, she is very familiar with his dietary restrictions. Mr. E has excellent dental health and doesn't like wearing bibs. Today, Janiece is assisting with providing nourishment to patients at the annual Strawberry Social festival. What must Janiece do before providing nourishment to Mr. E?  (Check all that apply. There can be more than one answer). 

• Introduce herself to Mr. E by first and last name

• Check orange wristband/poster to ensure right consistency

• Inform Mr. E that she is unable to assist him unless he wears a bib.

• Check with nursing or recreation staff to see if patient can be fed by a volunteer

• Check swallowing/eating strategies

• Check that dentures are properly fitted

Which of the following are not strategies for eating and swallowing that a patient may have in order to ensure they are safe while eating:(Check all that apply. There may be more than 1 answer)

• Using a liquid wash (drink after each bite)

• Have extra gravy

• Having supplements on the tray

• Food cut into smaller pieces

• Feeding a patient in a reclined position because they are more comfortable

• No mixed consistencies

• No straws

• Eating in a group with other patients