What tool could a nurse use to help monitor a patient's dietary intake?

The food frequency questionnaire is a validated tool that allows a nurse to assess a patient's dietary intake effectively. This tool captures how often specific foods are consumed over a defined period, offering valuable insights into the nutritional habits of the patient. By analyzing the responses from the questionnaire, the nurse can identify patterns in eating behavior, evaluate nutrient intake, and determine whether the patient is meeting their dietary needs. This information is essential for creating individualized nutritional plans and interventions aimed at improving the patient's overall health.

Other options, while relevant to a patient's overall health assessment, do not specifically focus on monitoring dietary intake. Blood test results provide information about metabolic and nutritional status but do not give a direct account of what the patient is actually eating. A body mass index chart helps evaluate weight in relation to height but does not provide details on dietary habits. The patient's health history includes various medical and lifestyle factors but does not systematically track food intake. Thus, the food frequency questionnaire stands out as the most direct tool for monitoring dietary intake among the choices presented.