What is assessed by evaluating a client’s recollection of recent meals?

Evaluating a client’s recollection of recent meals specifically assesses recent memory. This type of memory refers to a person's ability to recall information or experiences that have occurred in the short time leading up to the assessment, typically within a few minutes to several days. In this scenario, remembering meals consumed recently effectively tests this aspect of memory.

Short-term memory, while similar, is generally a broader category that includes the ability to hold small amounts of information temporarily. Long-term memory involves storing information over an extended period, such as months or years, and working memory pertains to holding and manipulating information actively for short tasks or complex cognitive operations. Therefore, when focusing on the recall of meals eaten in the near past, it is the recent memory that is most accurately highlighted in this context.