An older patient has been eating approximately 50% of each meal for several days.Which action should the nurse take to increase the patient's nutritional intake?

Question

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The nurse assesses the patient for altered taste perception because the acuity of several senses deteriorates with aging,including the senses of taste and smell; these sensory functions are important for food enjoyment and the appetite.To promote health and well-being,the nurse recognizes that the patient is at risk for malnutrition and assesses him or her to gather data for planning care because well-nourished patients are more likely to have positive health outcomes.Serving food at room temperature is an intervention.The nurse should find out more information through assessment and then plan appropriately.Eating with a friend can make eating more enjoyable,but,if a physiological reason exists,the reason needs to be addressed first.This option is also an intervention,not an assessment.Serving bland foods is not appropriate at this time.If there is an alteration in ability to taste and smell,bland foods might not be most appetizing to the patient.

An Older Patient Has Been Eating Approximately 50% of Each