What should nursing assistants observe and report about residents' meals?

Observing and reporting how much food is left on the tray is crucial for nursing assistants as it provides valuable information about the resident's nutritional intake and appetite. This observation can indicate if a resident is eating adequately, which is vital for their overall health and wellbeing. It allows the healthcare team to assess whether the resident is receiving enough nutrition, monitor changes in appetite that may signal health issues, and make dietary adjustments as needed.

While other aspects, like the color of the food, the variety of dishes, and the popularity of certain foods, can be interesting, they do not offer the same direct insight into the resident’s health and nutritional status as the amount of food consumed. The focus should always remain on how well the resident is meeting their nutritional needs to provide optimal care.