01 Why is asking about food allergy important for a patient?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. To prevent a harmful allergic reaction
Explanation: A food-allergy history is important because even a small amount of a specific food may cause symptoms such as itching, hives, vomiting, swelling, wheezing, or a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction. Identifying the allergen allows the care team to remove it from the menu and choose safe substitutes while planning the patient’s diet. It is not primarily related to energy needs, meal cost, or meal timing. Therefore, option A is correct.