State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) Practice Exam 2026 – Comprehensive All-in-One Prep for Exam Success!

Frequent coughing while feeding a resident most commonly indicates that the individual is having difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia. This can happen for several reasons, such as weak or uncoordinated swallowing muscles, neurological conditions, or other medical issues that affect the swallowing process. When a resident coughs during a meal, it may signal that food or liquid is entering the airway instead of the esophagus, leading to a risk of aspiration.

It's essential for nursing assistants and caregivers to closely monitor residents during meals to ensure their safety. Taking prompt action in response to coughing, such as stopping the feeding and assessing the situation, is crucial in preventing choking or aspiration pneumonia, which can be serious health risks.

The other options do not adequately represent the seriousness of the situation. While choking is a possibility, frequent coughing typically does not mean the person is choking but rather struggling with swallowing. Getting full may produce different observable signs, such as a loss of appetite or rejecting food. Additionally, needing to drink more fluids is not directly indicated by coughing during a meal and is generally assessed based on different signs and circumstances. Thus, recognizing the connection between coughing and swallowing difficulties is critical in patient care.