unpleasant odors in the room. See that the room is well lighted and at a comfortable
temperature.
(4) Position the patient for the meal. If allowed, elevate the head of the bed or
assist the patient to sit up in a chair.
(5)
Clear the overbed table to make room for the diet tray.
b. Avoid treatments such as enemas, dressings, and injections immediately before
and after meals.
5-13. CLOSING
Helping patients meet their nutritional needs is a challenging task for a nurse.
Ordering the tray and delivering it to the patient's bedside is not enough. You must see
that he eats the food needed to meet his body requirements. Provide the patient with
assistance to complete selective menus that meet his food preferences as much as
possible. See to his comfort at mealtime. Without proper nutrition, the healing process
slows down and the patient's condition does not improve as quickly as it should. You
should always remember that the dietitians and hospital food service specialist (MOS
91M) of the hospital's Nutrition Care Division are available to you as experts in all aspects
of patient nutrition care. Ask for their advice or intervention when you believe a patient's
condition requires it.
MD0906
5-17