Federal Nursing Home Administrator Practice Exam

How many meals are typically served per day to maintain high resident morale in a nursing home?

1. 2-4 meals

2. 3-5 meals

3. 5-7 meals

4. 1-3 meals

The correct answer is: 3-5 meals

Serving three to five meals per day is beneficial for maintaining high resident morale in a nursing home setting. This approach accommodates various dietary needs and preferences, ensuring that residents have consistent access to nourishment throughout the day. Offering three main meals along with the possibility of additional snacks or light meals helps create a social atmosphere, as mealtimes can serve as opportunities for interaction and engagement among residents and staff. Additionally, providing this number of meals supports residents' nutritional requirements, which is essential for their overall health and well-being, particularly for those who may have specific dietary restrictions. In contrast, a meal schedule with fewer than three meals may not provide adequate nutrition, leading to dissatisfaction and potential health issues, while excessively high meal counts could overwhelm residents or complicate service logistics. Therefore, the range of three to five meals aligns well with best practices in long-term care.