A client recovering from surgery has been consuming less than 50% of the meals provided over the past two days. During the assessment, the nurse notes dry mucous membranes and reports of fatigue. Which action should the nurse prioritize to address the client’s nutritional needs?
Continue monitoring the client’s food and fluid intake.
Offer the client an oral nutritional supplement.
Consult a dietitian to prepare an individualized meal plan.
Encourage the client to consume small, frequent, and nutrient-dense meals.
Encouraging the client to consume small, frequent, nutrient-dense meals is the best intervention because it supports the client's nutritional intake while considering their reduced appetite and physical condition. Offering oral nutritional supplements is an appropriate option, but this alone may not fully address the underlying issue of decreased food intake. Consulting a dietitian is an important step, but it does not immediately address the current nutritional deficit and requires collaboration within the care team. Monitoring intake is critical but should be done alongside more proactive interventions to improve nutritional status.
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Why are small, frequent, nutrient-dense meals important for recovery after surgery?
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