CNA Certification (Written Exam)Communication and Psychosocial NeedsMedium
A nurse aide is setting up a meal tray for a resident who is blind. Using the clock method, the aide should describe food locations by:
- ATelling the resident the meat is at 3 o'clock and vegetables at 9 o'clock
- BPlacing all food items in the center of the plate
- CCutting all food into small pieces before describing it
- DFeeding the resident without describing food locations
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Telling the resident the meat is at 3 o'clock and vegetables at 9 o'clock
The clock method uses clock-face positions to help visually impaired residents locate food independently, promoting dignity and self-feeding when possible.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Placing food centrally does not give positional information.
- C. Cutting food does not address location description, though it may be separately needed.
- D. Skipping description removes the resident's independence.
Clock Method for Visually Impaired Residents
A technique describing food positions on a plate using clock-face numbers to promote independent eating.
- 12 o'clock is top of plate, 6 o'clock is bottom
- Helps promote independence and dignity
- Should be used consistently at each meal
Memory trick: Plate is a clock—tell the time of the food.