Component Task: Feeding a Hyperactive/Overactive Patient

This is the act of meeting the daily nutritional requirement of a hyperactive/overactive patient. The food served should be a balanced/nutrient dense diet since the patient is usually on the run. Although he/she may have good appetite, he/she does not have time to settle and eat even when hungry.

Aims

·         Maintain right amount of patient’s daily nutritional status

·         Keep patient hydrated

·         Boost the energy level of patient

·         Promote recovery

Requirements

Tray containing the following:

·         Food in a plastic bowl/handy foods e.g. bread, drink, biscuits, etc.

·         A plastic bottle/cup of water

·         Plastic spoon

·         Disposable tissue paper

Steps

1.        Establish rapport (refer procedure)

2.      Explain procedure to the patient

3.      Perform hand hygiene and assist patient to do same

4.      Prepare patient’s preferred food and drink on a tray and send to the dining hall/appropriate place and encourage patient to eat

5.      If patient refuses the food served, encourage and support him/her by giving food in a form that he/she can eat on the run (e.g. biscuit, bread)

6.      Repeat step 5 until patient is satisfied

7.       Give patient water to drink as and when appropriate

8.      Assist patient to perform hand hygiene after feeding

9.      Express appreciation to patient and direct him/her to the next activity

10.    Clear the tray and perform hand hygiene

11.      Document the amount of food taken and any abnormalities observed in the nurses’ notes/patient’s folder