An HCA is assisting a resident who has been prescribed a pureed diet due to dysphagia. What is the MOST important action for the HCA to take during meal times?

Question: An HCA is assisting a resident who has been prescribed a pureed diet due to dysphagia. What is the MOST important action for the HCA to take during meal times?

Answer options:

• Serve all pureed items mixed together to simplify eating. ✅ Ensure the resident is sitting upright at a 90-degree angle.
• Encourage the resident to eat quickly to prevent fatigue.
• Provide a large straw for easy fluid intake.

Correct answer: Ensure the resident is sitting upright at a 90-degree angle.

Explanation: Maintaining an upright position (preferably 90 degrees) during meals for residents with dysphagia is crucial to prevent aspiration and facilitate safe swallowing. This minimizes the risk of food entering the airway.