A patient with a diagnosis of lung cancer is receiving chemotherapy and reports nausea and loss of appetite resulting in decreased food intake. What should the healthcare provider recommend to promote adequate nutrition? Advise the patient to

The patient may not feel hungry due to chemotherapy-induced nausea, but should be encouraged to eat even if not hungry. Encouraging the patient to small meals frequently throughout the day can help avoid nutritional deficiencies and improve quality of life. Chemotherapy can cause changes in smell or taste; aversion to favorite foods can result.