Which action should occur immediately before removing the clothing protector and tidying the area?

Which action should occur immediately before removing the clothing protector and tidying the area?

• A. Leave area around resident's mouth clean & dry
• B. Record resident's intake on Food Acceptance Record
• C. Offer fluids during feeding every 3 bites
• D. Offer encouragement to maximize food & fluid intake

Answer: (A)

Leaving the area around the resident’s mouth clean and dry is the appropriate step just before removing the clothing protector. Wipe away any food or moisture from the lips and chin and pat the skin dry. This hygiene step protects the skin from moisture so it doesn’t irritate or dampen the clothing, and it helps you remove the protector neatly without transferring residue. The other actions occur at different points: recording intake is done after the meal, while offering fluids or encouragement are ongoing during the feeding.

Leaving the area around the resident’s mouth clean and dry is the appropriate step just before removing the clothing protector. Wipe away any food or moisture from the lips and chin and pat the skin dry. This hygiene step protects the skin from moisture so it doesn’t irritate or dampen the clothing, and it helps you remove the protector neatly without transferring residue. The other actions occur at different points: recording intake is done after the meal, while offering fluids or encouragement are ongoing during the feeding.