Which action should a nursing assistant take to help prevent burns to residents during meals?

Informing residents about which foods and beverages are hot is essential for their safety during meals. This action empowers residents to make informed decisions about what they are about to consume, helping them avoid potential burns from hot items. By communicating clearly, the nursing assistant promotes awareness among residents, allowing them to exercise caution and properly manage their meal experience.

While serving only room temperature foods might seem like a safe option, it does not consider the inherent variety of temperatures that might be appropriate for different foods, which could impact the meal's appeal and nutrition. Providing ice water with every meal, although refreshing, does not address the specific risk of burns from hot foods. Using a thermometer to check food temperature is an excellent safety measure but may not be practical in all settings and does not take the place of effectively communicating with residents regarding meal safety.