Before feeding, what should you verify about the tray?

Before feeding, what should you verify about the tray?

• A. Look at diet card and verbally indicate that the resident has received the right tray.
• B. Verify the tray by checking the room number only.
• C. Feed before verifying the tray.
• D. Record intake before checking the tray.

Answer: (A)

The safety step being tested is making sure the meal tray matches the resident’s diet order and identity before feeding. You verify the tray against the diet card to confirm the exact diet, any texture modifications, fluids, or special instructions, and you also confirm the tray belongs to the correct resident by checking the name and room. Verbalizing to the resident that the right tray has been prepared reinforces that agreement and gives the resident a chance to voice any concerns if something seems off. This approach helps prevent giving the wrong meal, ensures dietary restrictions are followed, and supports clear communication for safety. Skipping verification by relying only on the room number, feeding before checking, or recording intake before checking would bypass essential safeguards and risk errors.

The safety step being tested is making sure the meal tray matches the resident’s diet order and identity before feeding. You verify the tray against the diet card to confirm the exact diet, any texture modifications, fluids, or special instructions, and you also confirm the tray belongs to the correct resident by checking the name and room. Verbalizing to the resident that the right tray has been prepared reinforces that agreement and gives the resident a chance to voice any concerns if something seems off. This approach helps prevent giving the wrong meal, ensures dietary restrictions are followed, and supports clear communication for safety. Skipping verification by relying only on the room number, feeding before checking, or recording intake before checking would bypass essential safeguards and risk errors.