Arkansas Long Term Care Administrator Practice Exam

How long must meals go before they can be repeated, according to regulations?

1. 1 week span

2. 2 week span

3. 3 week span

4. 4 week span

The correct answer is: 3 week span

In long-term care facilities, regulations typically require that menus be structured to provide variety and meet nutritional needs without repeating the same meals too soon. The stated guideline of a three-week span for meal repetition allows for a balanced diet that includes a wide array of meals. This spans provides ample opportunities for dietary diversity, which is important in maintaining residents' interest in meals and ensuring proper nutrition. By allowing for a three-week rotation, facilities can effectively accommodate different dietary preferences, seasonal ingredients, and nutritional requirements, which is particularly vital in care settings. It helps prevent monotony and encourages healthier eating habits among residents by offering a broader selection of meals over a given period.