What should be ensured before offering the next bite or sip?

• A. The client's mouth is empty
• B. The client is chewing slowly
• C. The client is swallowing
• D. The client has a napkin

Answer: (A)

Before offering the next bite or sip, ensure the mouth is empty. This check is about safety: if food is still in the mouth, adding more can cause choking or make swallowing difficult. When the mouth is clear, you can be confident the resident has finished the previous portion and is ready to swallow or breathe without competing with another bite. Chewing slowly and simply waiting for swallowing are part of the feeding process, but they don’t substitute for confirming there’s nothing left in the mouth before the next bite. A napkin helps with cleanliness, but it doesn’t address the safety of what’s inside the mouth.