How should a nurse address the dietary needs of a client with a religious dietary restriction?

Addressing the dietary needs of a client with a religious dietary restriction is best accomplished by asking the client about their specific dietary preferences. This approach prioritizes the client’s autonomy and respects their individual beliefs, which is essential in providing culturally competent care. Engaging directly with the client allows the nurse to gather specific information about their dietary restrictions, preferences, and any relevant cultural practices. This enhances the client's comfort and satisfaction, ensuring that meals served align with their religious beliefs.

While the other options may provide some information about dietary needs, they do not engage the client directly, which is a critical component of patient-centered care. Providing a regular meal tray does not consider individual dietary restrictions, and consulting a spouse may not yield complete information as the spouse may not know the full extent of the client's dietary needs. Reviewing admission data may help identify documented restrictions, but it might not capture the nuances of the client’s preferences that could have changed or been left out during admission. Overall, directly asking the client is the most effective and respectful method to address their dietary needs.