urse Aide Practice Exam 2025 - Free Nurse Aide Practice Questions and Study Guide

When a resident's dietary preferences are not being met, it is essential to prioritize open communication with the resident to understand their immediate desires. By inquiring if the resident wants to eat a different food, you are addressing their comfort and satisfaction directly, which is critical in providing person-centered care. This approach not only validates the resident’s needs and preferences, but it also empowers them to make choices about their meals, promoting their dignity and autonomy.

While checking for allergies is important for safety, it does not address the resident's current dissatisfaction with their meal options. Monitoring vital signs is crucial for assessing the resident’s overall health, but it does not directly resolve dietary preference issues. Consulting the care plan for food preferences is also a valid action; however, the most immediate step is to communicate directly with the resident to find a solution that meets their needs right away. Therefore, prioritizing direct inquiry aligns best with providing responsive and individualized care.