This skill evaluates your ability to safely feed a snack to a resident who cannot feed themselves. In the test scenario, the resident is sitting in a chair in an inappropriate position for feeding; fixing their posture before the first bite is part of the skill. The evaluator watches for positioning, pacing, fluids, communication, and accurate recording of food and fluid intake.
Equipment and Supplies Needed
- Towel
- Clothing protector
- Cup
- Chair for the candidate (you sit while feeding)
- Spoon
- Washcloths
- Food tray with snack
- Food and Fluid Intake Form (recording sheet)
- Filled water pitcher
Step-by-Step Procedure
Below are the criteria checklist checkpoints for Feeding a Resident on the Florida CNA clinical skills exam, the same checkpoints the evaluators score. Checkpoints marked (IC) are the universal indirect care checkpoints, which are scored on every skill.
- Greet resident, address by name, and introduce self? (IC)
- Provide explanations to resident about care before beginning and during care? (IC)
- Assist or cue resident to sit upright in chair before feeding?
- Offer or assist resident to wash hands before feeding using a damp washcloth, paper towel, or hand wipe?
- Sit while feeding the resident?
- Offer to protect resident's clothing with a barrier before feeding, and if used, remove barrier at end of feeding?
- Use spoon to feed?
- Offer fluids to drink throughout feeding; at least every 2-3 bites of food?
- Allow resident the opportunity to swallow before feeding the next bite?
- Converse with resident during meal (e.g., encourage intake)?
- Leave area around resident's mouth clean and dry when care completed?
- Complete skill placing any used linen in hamper, disposing of trash, and leaving overbed table dry?
- Record the amount of the resident's food intake on the Food and Fluid Intake Form within 25% of the nurse's measurement?
- Record the amount of the resident's fluid intake on the Food and Fluid Intake Form within 25% of the nurse's measurement?
- Ask resident about preferences during care? (IC)
- Use Standard Precautions and infection control measures when providing care? (IC)
- Ask resident about comfort or needs during care or before care completed? (IC)
- Promote resident's rights during care? (IC)
- Promote resident's safety during care? (IC)
- Never rush feeding: allow adequate time for chewing and swallowing.
- Assist or cue the resident to sit upright in the chair before feeding: the scenario starts them in an inappropriate position on purpose.
- Record the resident's food intake and fluid intake on the Food and Fluid Intake Form; each must be within 25 percent of the nurse's measurement.
Common Mistakes on the Prometric Test
Based on our experience preparing thousands of students for Florida's CNA state exam, here are the most common mistakes candidates make on this skill:
- Standing while feeding: Sitting while you feed the resident is its own checkpoint, along with using a spoon to feed.
- Feeding too fast: Rushing can cause choking. Offer small bites and wait for the resident to fully swallow before the next one.
- Forgetting fluids: Offer fluids to drink throughout the feeding, at least every 2-3 bites of food.
Test Day Tips for Feeding a Resident
- Treat the person playing the resident as a real patient: conversational pacing makes the feeding more natural.
- Alternate between food and fluids throughout the meal.
- Remember to record both the food intake and the fluid intake on the Food and Fluid Intake Form at the end; this is easy to forget.
- Ask whether the resident likes the food. If they do not, offer to bring something they prefer; resident preferences are a scored Indirect Care checkpoint.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should the resident be positioned for feeding on the CNA exam?
In the test scenario the resident is sitting in a chair in an inappropriate position for feeding. You must assist or cue the resident to sit upright in the chair before feeding; an upright position protects against aspiration (food entering the airway).
Master This Skill with Video Demonstrations
Reading the steps is a great start, but watching the skill performed correctly makes a huge difference on test day. Our online CNA course includes:
- HD video demonstration of Feeding a Resident performed exactly as Prometric expects
- Detailed narration explaining each checkpoint the evaluator looks for
- Practice scenarios and tips from experienced CNA instructors
- All 22 clinical skills plus written exam preparation
Start with a free course preview. See the quality of our video instruction before you commit.
All 22 CNA Clinical Skills
See the full CNA clinical skills guide, or jump to any skill: Handwashing · Mouth Care (Brushing Teeth) · Hand and Nail Care · Denture Care · Taking a Pulse · Measuring Respirations · Changing an Occupied Bed · Dressing with One-Sided Weakness · Female Catheter Care · Bedpan Assistance · Emptying Urinary Drainage Bag · Female Perineal Care · Range of Motion (Lower Body) · Range of Motion (Elbow and Wrist) · Range of Motion (Shoulder) · Partial Bed Bath · Change of Position · Wheelchair Transfer · Foot Care · Ambulation with Gait Belt · Indirect Care.
Written by Jaime Arias, owner of Florida CNA Online since 2020.
Medically reviewed by Magalys Herrera Pérez, Licenciada en Enfermería (Licentiate in Nursing), August 2026.