The client with frequent upper respiratory infections (URIs) asks the nurse why food doesn't seem to have any taste during illness. The nurse understands that this is because of which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sense of taste is closely linked to the sense of smell. When nasal passages are blocked due to an upper respiratory infection, the ability to smell is impaired, which in turn can significantly reduce the sense of taste. This is because much of what we perceive as taste actually comes from our sense of smell.

The Client with Frequent Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs) Asks the Nurse