Assessment is the first step of the nursing process (assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention, and evaluation) and allows the nurse to understand why the patient did not eat the food despite being hungry. The food may not be appealing to the client or may not be culturally appropriate. These factors can be verified by asking the patient first. Although the patient's lack of intake must be documented, this isn't the initial action. Leaving uneaten food at the bedside will attract pests. A nasogastric tube is an extreme intervention; many other avenues must be explored first.