What should the CNA do after maintaining eye level contact with the resident while feeding?

• A. Offer fluids during feeding every 3 bites
• B. Maintain eye level contact with resident while feeding
• C. Check if resident swallowed before offering next bite
• D. Use spoon to feed

Answer: (D)

Ensuring safe feeding hinges on confirming that the resident has swallowed before offering the next bite. After delivering a bite and maintaining eye contact, pause briefly and look for signs that the resident has swallowed. If swallowing occurs and there are no signs of distress, you may proceed with the next bite. If the resident coughs, shows difficulty swallowing, or you see pocketing of food, stop feeding, maintain the resident in an upright position, and reassess before continuing. This safety check helps prevent aspiration. The other ideas—feeding at fixed intervals for fluids, or simply continuing to use a spoon—do not address the immediate safety step needed after a bite, which is to verify swallowing before the next bite.