Ace the Illinois Food Service Exam 2025 – Serve Up Success Today!

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.