A diet assessment should be made as part of the health history to
determine nutrient and fiber intake. Keeping a 3-day food history is a practical way to assess the
patient’s usual dietary intake. Amounts and types of fluids should be included in a diet history.
The patient should be asked if he or she has experienced nausea, dysphagia, mastication
difficulties, vomiting, or anorexia. Any fluid loss resulting from ostomies, fistulas, and drainage
tubes should be evaluated.