During feeding, what must you check before offering the next bite?

• A. If the resident has swallowed
• B. If the plate is empty
• C. If the resident nodded
• D. If the cup is full

Answer: (A)

Airway protection during feeding is the focus. You wait for a swallow before offering the next bite because a swallow shows the airway has been momentarily cleared and the swallowing mechanism has engaged. If you give another bite when the resident hasn’t swallowed, food or liquid can remain in the mouth or go into the airway, increasing the risk of choking or aspiration pneumonia. If you do see a swallow (and there’s no coughing or distress), you can safely offer the next bite. The other options don’t address airway safety: the plate being empty doesn’t tell you about swallowing, a nod isn’t a reliable swallow cue, and a full cup relates to thirst, not the safety of the next bite.