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Sometimes after surgery, your patient may need help with feeding. |
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Before serving the food:- Make the environment as attractive as possible.
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- Complete any toileting needs your patient has.
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- Help your patient wash his hands.
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- Make sure the patient has any dentures, glasses or hearing aids that are used.
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If your patient is able to get out of bed, help him sit at the table in a straight-backed chair so that the table top is at a comfortable height and distance so that he does not have to stretch to eat. |
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Before serving the food, wash and dry your hands. |
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Display the food conveniently and attractively and describe it to your patient. |
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If your patient is staying in bed, use pillows so that the patient is comfortably upright. |
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If you are using an overbed table, remove any objects on it and wipe it with a damp paper towel. |
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Before serving the food, wash and dry your hands. |
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Use a towel or a bib to protect clothing and bed covers. |
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Place a tray with the food on the overbed table and describe the food. Prepare any food, such as opening and pouring containers of fluids, buttering bread, using condiments, cutting food. |
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Sit at the patient's side, at or below eye level. If you are right-handed, sit at the patient's right side so that your patient does not have to keep his head turned towards you. Use a fork half full of solid food ... |
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... or a spoon half full of liquid. Always encourage your patient to feed himself as much as possible. Liquids should be given frequently either with the spoon or a straw. |
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Use a napkin or paper towel to wipe your patient's mouth as needed. |
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When the patient has finished, remove the tray, and help him to wash his hands and face and brush his teeth. If need be, help him with toileting. |
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Wash and dry your hands. |
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