Assisting with Meals

  1. Gather supplies

  2. Hand Hygiene

  3. Provide privacy

  4. Verify orders

  5. introduce self

  6. Verify w/2 identifiers

  7. Assess for nausea

    1. ability to pass gas

    2. gag reflex

  8. Check condition of teeth/dentures

  9. Auscultate for bowel sounds

  10. Assess ability to feed one’s self/ask about appetite

  11. Clear bedside tray, Make sure patient is in a comfortable position, high Fowler’s

    1. if unable to sit raise head and position on one’s side

  12. Ask if needs to void, ask if needs dentures, glasses, provide hand hygiene for the patient

  13. Verify the meal is for the correct patient

  14. Ask patient what order he would like to eat meal, ask if they need season, cut food

  15. Use adaptive eating and drinking aids as indicated

  16. Identify food placement like a clock face

  17. Provide small bites and watch for chewing/swallowing/pocketing

  18. Provide fluids as requested

  19. Use time to educate patient about care plan

  20. Hand Hygiene for the patient/mouth care

  21. Ask if wants to stay in bed or chair

  22. Stay in raised position for 30-60 minutes

  23. Assure call light is within reach and bed is locked and low

  24. Return meal tray

  25. Document