Spoon Feeding an Adult Ill Patient

Procedure

1. Check the diet ordered, any swallowing assessment, allergies and cultural or religious preferences.
2. Confirm the patient is not nil by mouth and that the meal is the correct one for that patient.
3. Offer the bedpan or urinal, then help the patient wash their hands.
4. Sit the patient upright at 90 degrees, or as upright as their condition allows.
5. Wash your hands, sit at eye level and place a napkin over the chest.
6. Describe the food, and let the patient choose the order in which they eat it.
7. Offer small spoonfuls at the patient’s own pace, checking the mouth is empty before the next.
8. Offer sips of fluid between mouthfuls and watch for coughing, wet voice or pooling.
9. Stop and reassess if there is any sign of aspiration, and report it.
10. Leave the patient upright for 30 minutes afterwards, offer mouth care, and record the amount actually taken.