A 16-year-old girl is being seen at the clinic for gastrointestinal complaints and weight loss. The nurse determines that many of her complaints may be r/t erratic eating patterns, eating predominantly fast foods, and high caffeine intake. In this situation, which is most appropriate when collecting current dietary intake information?

A) Scheduling a time for direct observation of the adolescent during meals
B) Asking the patient for a 24-hour diet recall, and assuming it to be reflective of a typical day for her
C) Having the patient complete a food diary for 3 days, including 2 weekdays and 1 weekend day
D) Using the food frequency questionnaire to identify the amount of intake of specific foods

Question

destiny almonte · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : C, Explanation :  Food diaries require the individual to write down everything consumed for a certain time period. Because of the erratic eating patterns of this individual, assessing dietary intake over a few days would produce more accurate information regarding eating patterns. Direct observation is best used with young children or older adults.

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