Which single feeding practice helps reduce the risk of choking for a resident?

• A. Sit them upright at 90 degrees
• B. Offer large bites
• C. Talk while eating
• D. Rely on liquids only

Answer: (A)

Maintaining an upright posture during feeding is essential for safe swallowing. Sitting the resident at a true 90-degree angle keeps the airway aligned and uses gravity to help move food toward the stomach, which reduces the chance that food enters the airway and causes choking or aspiration. This single practice directly supports a safer swallow.

Large bites can overwhelm the swallow and raise choking risk. Talking while eating disrupts coordination of swallowing and can cause food to go into the airway. Relying on liquids only doesn’t provide balanced nutrition and doesn’t address the mechanics of swallowing, so it doesn’t reliably reduce choking risk.