How can a CNA assist a patient with eating?

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) plays a vital role in supporting patients during mealtime, and promoting independence while ensuring safety is a key aspect of this responsibility. By encouraging the patient to eat as much as they can on their own, the CNA helps them maintain dignity and self-esteem. This approach not only fosters independence but also promotes a sense of control over their eating habits, which is particularly important for patients who may be recovering from illness or facing mobility challenges.

Ensuring safety is equally important. This may involve positioning the patient properly during meals, monitoring their swallowing ability, and being alert to any signs of difficulty or aspiration. The CNA must be attentive to the individual needs of each patient, adapting their assistance based on the person’s condition and preferences.

This approach contrasts significantly with the other options. Providing food at all times does not consider the patient's ability or desire to participate in their meal, feeding the patient entirely when they refuse would negate their autonomy and could lead to negative experiences around mealtime, while encouraging the use of a feeding tube is typically irrelevant for patients who are capable of eating orally and does not promote independence.