CNA Certification (Written Exam)Communication and Psychosocial NeedsMedium
A resident's religious beliefs prohibit eating pork. The nurse aide notices bacon on the resident's breakfast tray. What should the aide do?
- ARemove the bacon from the tray and notify the dietary department of the religious restriction
- BInsist the resident eat the bacon since it was already prepared
- COffer to pay for a replacement meal from outside the facility
- DTell the resident to simply eat around the bacon
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Remove the bacon from the tray and notify the dietary department of the religious restriction
Nurse aides must respect residents' religious and cultural dietary restrictions. The bacon should be removed and dietary staff notified so future trays reflect the resident's needs correctly.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Forcing the resident to eat a prohibited food violates their rights and beliefs.
- C. This is not the aide's responsibility and does not solve the systemic issue.
- D. This does not respect the resident's religious restriction and may cause distress.
Cultural/Religious Dietary Needs
Nurse aides must honor residents' religious and cultural food restrictions and report any errors to dietary staff.
- Common restrictions include pork, beef, or fasting periods
- Care plans should reflect dietary preferences
- Errors should be reported and corrected promptly
Memory trick: Faith on the plate — remove what doesn't belong and tell the kitchen.