The response options are arranged in a scale format from independent/least impaired to dependent/most impaired. Response 1 applies to patients who are able to feed themselves but require some type of assistance. Response 2 is used when the patient is unable to feed himself and must be continuously assisted or supervised throughout the meal/snack. Responses 3, 4, and 5 include non-oral intake such as through a nasogastric tube or gastrostomy. Unknown is a response option for prior status reporting only at Start of Care and Resumption of Care. Select this option only if there is no way to determine the patient's prior ability for this item.