1. Personal Care
Feeding a Patient

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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