For Mrs. O'Brien, who is nearly blind, how should the dietary aide assist during meals?

For Mrs. O'Brien, who is nearly blind, how should the dietary aide assist during meals?

• A. Do not give Mrs. O'Brien sharp utensils.
• B. Help Mrs. O'Brien locate the food on her plate by comparing it to a clock; for example, say, 'The toast is at nine o'clock.'
• C. Provide finger foods that she can feel and pick up easily.
• D. Stay with Mrs. O'Brien throughout the meal and feed her when necessary.

Answer: (B)

Helping a nearly blind patient during meals focuses on promoting independence through clear spatial orientation. Describing where items are on the plate with a clock reference gives Mrs. O’Brien a dependable map for self-feeding. For example, noting that toast is at nine o’clock helps her locate it without needing sight, so she can reach, pick up, and eat on her own. Keeping the plate in a consistent position and using simple, calm cues lets her maintain dignity and safety while eating. Other approaches don’t support this autonomy as well. Merely avoiding sharp utensils doesn’t address how to find and manage all foods on the plate. Providing finger foods alone may help with some textures but doesn’t establish the necessary guidance for locating all items. Staying with her to feed her can prevent independence and reduce her confidence in self-care.

Helping a nearly blind patient during meals focuses on promoting independence through clear spatial orientation. Describing where items are on the plate with a clock reference gives Mrs. O’Brien a dependable map for self-feeding. For example, noting that toast is at nine o’clock helps her locate it without needing sight, so she can reach, pick up, and eat on her own. Keeping the plate in a consistent position and using simple, calm cues lets her maintain dignity and safety while eating.

Other approaches don’t support this autonomy as well. Merely avoiding sharp utensils doesn’t address how to find and manage all foods on the plate. Providing finger foods alone may help with some textures but doesn’t establish the necessary guidance for locating all items. Staying with her to feed her can prevent independence and reduce her confidence in self-care.