For a patient with bronchial carcinoma experiencing anorexia and nausea, which nursing measure is appropriate?

• A. A Provide large meals twice a day
• B. B Offer bland food with spices
• C. C Provide small portions of favourite foods
• D. D Immediately put the patient on intravenous fluids

Answer: (C)

In cancer patients with anorexia and nausea, the best nursing approach is to support oral intake by offering small portions of foods the patient enjoys. Small, frequent portions are easier to tolerate than large meals, help prevent overwhelming the stomach, and can accommodate taste changes or nausea triggers. Allowing the patient to choose preferred foods enhances motivation to eat, improves caloric intake over time, and supports comfort and dignity during meals. Large meals tend to provoke fullness and worsen nausea, while forcing massive intake is counterproductive. Intravenous fluids address hydration but don’t directly improve appetite or nausea and aren’t a replacement for encouraging oral intake when feasible.