Which nutrition strategy is appropriate for a patient with anorexia due to cancer?

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

Answer: (C)

When someone with cancer develops anorexia, the aim of nutrition care is to maximize intake without overwhelming the patient. Offering small portions of foods they enjoy, spread through the day, helps people eat more overall because it fits with reduced appetite and possible taste changes. It also gives the patient control and reduces the stress around mealtime, making eating more pleasurable and feasible, which is especially important in palliative settings where comfort and quality of life matter.

Larger meals can feel daunting and quickly lead to fullness, which may further decrease intake. Choosing bland versus spiced foods isn’t the central strategy for this issue, and while spices can sometimes help with taste, it doesn’t address the core problem of limited appetite. Starting intravenous fluids right away focuses on hydration rather than building oral intake and nutrition, which is typically a separate consideration unless there is a specific medical need.