Which of the following best describes the purpose of including nutritional questions in health history?

• A. To assess dietary habits and nutritional status.
• B. To determine genetic risk.
• C. To evaluate mental health.
• D. To measure physical activity only.

Answer: (A)

Understanding what a child eats and how that supports growth is what nutritional questions in health history are designed to capture. By asking about meals, snacks, beverages, supplements, appetite, and any restrictions or picky eating, you gain a picture of dietary intake and nutrient adequacy. This helps identify risks for undernutrition or overnutrition, informs potential needs for counseling or referrals, and provides a baseline to monitor changes as the child grows. While genetic risk, mental health, and activity are important topics, the specific purpose of nutritional history questions is to assess dietary habits and nutritional status to guide care and promote healthy development.