Home Health Aide Practice Exam

What is a recommended practice to help prevent aspiration during eating?

1. Place food in the weaker side of the mouth

2. Encourage fast eating

3. Place food in the stronger side of the mouth

4. Feed the client puree only

The correct answer is: Place food in the stronger side of the mouth

Placing food in the stronger side of the mouth is a recommended practice to help prevent aspiration during eating. When a client has weakness on one side of the body, particularly in the oral and pharyngeal muscles, it is essential to use the stronger side to facilitate safer swallowing. The stronger side is better equipped to manage food, allowing the client to manipulate and swallow it more effectively. By directing food to the stronger side, the caregiver can enhance the coordination of the swallowing process and reduce the risk of food entering the airway. This strategy promotes better control over the food and minimizes the likelihood of aspiration, which can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia. In contrast, placing food in the weaker side may increase the risk of choking and aspiration, as the compromised muscles on that side may not handle the food properly. Moreover, encouraging fast eating can lead to poor coordination and increase the risk of aspiration, as the client may not be able to effectively manage their swallowing at a quicker pace. Feeding a client only pureed food might limit their ability to experience different textures and flavors, which can affect their enjoyment and willingness to eat, but it does not address the underlying concern of aspiration as effectively as using the stronger side.