Which of the following professionals plans menus and teaches special diets?

The role of professionals who plan menus and teach special diets primarily falls to dieticians. Dieticians possess specialized knowledge in nutrition and food science, allowing them to create meal plans tailored to individual health needs and dietary restrictions. They assess the nutritional needs of their clients, educate them about healthy eating habits, and help manage specific health conditions through diet. This could include diabetes management, weight loss programs, or dietary adjustments for medical issues, making them pivotal in promoting overall health through effective nutrition strategies.

In contrast, nursing assistants, geriatric aides/assistants, and embalmers have entirely different responsibilities. Nursing assistants support nursing staff in patient care, generally focusing on basic health and personal care needs rather than nutrition planning. Geriatric aides/assistants cater specifically to the elderly, assisting with daily activities but not typically involved in dietary planning. Embalmers work in the funeral industry preparing bodies for burial or cremation, with no direct relation to nutrition or diet. Therefore, the role of dieticians uniquely suits the task of planning menus and teaching about special diets.