Illinois Food Service License Practice Test

What should a manager of a hospital cafeteria do if the cook called in with a headache, nausea, and diarrhea?

1. Tell the cook to stay away from work and see a doctor

2. Ask the cook to come in and work in a separate area

3. Provide medication to the cook

4. Ignore the symptoms and continue as usual

The correct answer is: Tell the cook to stay away from work and see a doctor

The most appropriate action for the manager of a hospital cafeteria in this scenario is to instruct the cook to stay away from work and seek medical attention. This is essential because the symptoms described—headache, nausea, and diarrhea—could potentially indicate a contagious illness, such as norovirus or another foodborne pathogen. In a hospital setting, where hygiene and food safety are paramount, it is crucial to prevent the possibly sick worker from spreading illness to both staff and customers. By advising the cook to stay away from work, the manager is taking a proactive approach to ensure the safety and health of everyone in the kitchen and the patients they serve. Encouraging the cook to see a doctor also ensures that the cook receives proper medical care, which is important for their own well-being and assists in identifying whether they pose any risk to others if they were to return to work too soon. In contrast, asking the cook to work in a separate area could still put others at risk, providing medication could mask symptoms without addressing the underlying issue, and ignoring the symptoms entirely would be irresponsible. In a healthcare environment, maintaining strict food safety practices is critical to protect vulnerable populations.