Personal Care Feeding a Patient

Feeding a Patient Good nutrition is an important part of a pt’s treatment Meals are often a time for social interaction for most people Pts who eat alone are more at risk for having poor appetites & poor nutrition Residents of LTC facilities are encouraged to eat in the dining room If a pt is confined to bed, it is important to talk with the pt while serving the tray or feeding the pt

Feeding a Patient Steps to assisting a patient with meals: Preparation for tray Tray delivery Setting up the tray Feeding the pt

Preparing for the Tray Offer the bedpan/urinal or assist pt to the bathroom Allow pt to wash hands and face (if desired) Provide oral hygiene if desired Help pt to a sitting position if possible Clear the overbed table Remove objects such as emesis basin or bedpan from the pt’s view

Tray Delivery Make sure pt understands if meal will be delayed due to X-rays or tests Check the tray against the pt’s name, room number, & type of diet ordered If anything is out of place (salt with a salt-free diet or sugar with a diabetic diet) check with your supervisor or the dietitian Never add any food to the tray without checking the diet order first

Setting up the tray Make sure all food and utensils are within reach If necessary, assist by cutting meat, opening beverage cartons, and buttering bread If pt is visually impaired, tell them what food is on the plate by comparing the plate to a clock

Feeding a Patient Test the temperature of all hot foods by placing a small amount on your wrist – never blow on hot food to cool it Alternate the foods by giving sips of liquids between solid foods Use straws for liquids unless the pt has dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing). Straws can force liquids down the throat faster and cause choking Use food thickener to solidify liquids if ordered by physician or dietitian

Feeding a Patient Only offer small bites of food at one time, filling the spoon/fork 1/3- 1/2 full Hold the spoon/fork at right angles to the pt’s mouth so you are feeding the pt from the tip of the utensil Encourage pt to eat as much as possible Provide a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere Give pt sufficient time to chew

Feeding a Patient Observe how much pt eats so you can record it If pt doesn’t like a food on their tray, ask supervisor or dietitian whether a substitute can be provided Be alert to signs of choking

Feeding a Patient Provide liquids to keep mouth moist to make chewing & swallowing easier If pt has had a stroke, one side of mouth may be affected-direct food to the unaffected side In stroke pt, watch pt’s throat to check for swallowing and check for food that may be lodged in the affected side of the mouth