To reduce aspiration risk during meals, which practice should a CNA perform?

• A. Feed quickly to finish
• B. Offer large bites
• C. Position the resident upright at least 90 degrees, offer small bites or sips, allow time to swallow, monitor for coughing or throat clearing, and report any difficulty swallowing
• D. Finish feeding without observation

Answer: (C)

Reducing aspiration risk during meals comes from safe positioning, controlled pacing, and close observation of swallowing. Keeping the resident upright at least 90 degrees helps use gravity to protect the airway during swallowing. Offering small bites or sips limits how much material could be aspirated at once, and giving enough time to swallow prevents rushing that can lead to choking. Monitoring for coughing or throat clearing and reporting any difficulty swallowing allows prompt intervention if trouble begins. Rushing feeding, large bites, or finishing without observation remove critical safety checks and increase the chance that material enters the airway.