Wisconsin Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

What safety measure should be taken to minimize aspiration risks during tube feeding?

1. Keep the resident in a supine position

2. Place the resident in a low fowler's position

3. Ensure the resident is sitting upright

4. Administer feeding quickly

The correct answer is: Place the resident in a low fowler's position

To minimize aspiration risks during tube feeding, it is essential to ensure that the resident is sitting upright. This positioning helps facilitate proper digestion and reduces the likelihood of food or liquid entering the airway, which can lead to aspiration pneumonia or other complications. When a resident is in a low Fowler's position, they may not be adequately elevated to prevent aspiration while being fed. The low Fowler's position typically involves the individual being propped up at a lower angle than the recommended 30 to 45 degrees. In contrast, positioning the resident upright or at a higher angle is a widely recognized best practice for administering tube feedings, as it promotes safer swallowing and reduces risks. Keeping the resident supine, or lying flat, increases the risk of aspiration because any feeding delivered could easily travel back into the airway. Rapid administration of feeding also poses risks, as it can overwhelm the digestive system and contribute to aspiration if the body does not manage to handle the flow appropriately. Thus, ensuring the resident is sitting upright is critical for maintaining safety during tube feeding and significantly reduces the risk of aspiration.