CNOR Operating Room Nursing

Answer: C-When the nurse asks questions of the patient about any recent changes in sense of taste or smell, they are trying to determine if the patient is at risk for altered nutrition. Recent sensory changes such as these may affect the patient’s eating habits prior to admission for surgery. Because surgery may involve a period of time when the patient will not be allowed to eat, the patient with changes in the senses associated with eating may be at further risk of altered nutritional status.