obesity and eating disorders:
A nurse is educating a group of clients about obesity-related complications. Which of the following conditions is NOT commonly associated with obesity?
A. Type 2 diabetes
B. Hypertension
C. Osteoporosis
D. Sleep apnea
Correct Answer: C. Osteoporosis
Rationale: Obesity is commonly associated with conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea due to metabolic and physiological changes. However, osteoporosis is more commonly associated with low body weight and poor bone density, which are not characteristics of obesity.
A nurse is educating a patient about food labels. Which of the following statements is correct regarding ingredient lists on packaged foods?
A. Ingredients are listed in alphabetical order.
B. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight.
C. The first three ingredients are always in equal amounts.
D. The ingredient list provides the exact proportion of each ingredient.
Correct Answer: B. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight.
Rationale: By law, food ingredients must be listed in descending order by weight. The further down the list an item appears, the smaller the amount present in the product. This helps consumers understand the relative quantity of ingredients.
A nurse is educating a client on energy balance. Which of the following scenarios best describes positive energy balance?
A. A client consumes fewer calories than they burn, resulting in weight loss.
B. A client consumes more calories than they burn, leading to weight gain.
C. A client maintains equal calorie intake and expenditure, resulting in stable weight.
D. A client follows a low-calorie diet but does not engage in physical activity.
Correct Answer: B. A client consumes more calories than they burn, leading to weight gain.
Rationale: A positive energy balance occurs when calorie intake exceeds calorie expenditure, leading to weight gain. This can result from overeating, low physical activity, or a combination of both.
A client asks the nurse about the benefits of organic food. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. "Organic foods contain more nutrients than conventional foods."
B. "Organic foods are completely free of pesticides and chemicals."
C. "Organic foods are grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, but they may still contain some residues."
D. "Organic foods are always healthier than non-organic foods."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Organic foods are produced without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, but they may still contain some natural or minimal chemical residues. While organic foods may reduce exposure to certain chemicals, they do not necessarily have higher nutrient content or are always healthier than conventional foods.
A nurse is caring for a Muslim client during Ramadan. Which intervention is most appropriate?
A. Offer snacks and fluids frequently throughout the day.
B. Ensure the client receives meals before dawn and after sunset.
C. Provide only vegetarian meals to respect dietary restrictions.
D. Encourage the client to drink water frequently throughout the day to prevent dehydration.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and consume meals only before dawn (Suhoor) and after sunset (Iftar). Offering snacks throughout the day would not be appropriate, and while some Muslims may prefer vegetarian meals, it is not a general requirement. Drinking water during fasting hours is also prohibited, so hydration should be encouraged after sunset.
A client with a BMI of 32 wants to start pharmacotherapy for weight loss. Which of the following factors would make the client a suitable candidate for pharmacologic treatment?
A. The client has a history of smoking.
B. The client has a BMI ≥30 without comorbidities.
C. The client exercises at least 150 minutes per week.
D. The client has no history of hypertension or diabetes.
Correct Answer: B. The client has a BMI ≥30 without comorbidities.
Rationale: Pharmacotherapy is recommended for individuals with a BMI of ≥30 or a BMI ≥27 with comorbid conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia. Other factors, such as smoking or regular exercise, do not directly determine eligibility for weight-loss medications.
A patient with a severe peanut allergy is learning how to read food labels. The nurse explains that food manufacturers must clearly indicate if a product contains which of the following major food allergens?
A. Gluten
B. Peanuts
C. Corn
D. Artificial dyes
Correct Answer: B. Peanuts
Rationale: The FDA requires manufacturers to clearly state if a product contains protein from one of the eight major food allergens, including peanuts, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, and soybeans, as they are responsible for 90% of all food allergies.
A nurse is teaching a client about basal metabolic rate (BMR). Which statement made by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "BMR is the number of calories my body needs to function at rest."
B. "BMR accounts for the majority of my total energy expenditure."
C. "BMR is primarily influenced by my activity level."
D. "My BMR is affected by factors like age, gender, and body composition."
Correct Answer: C. "BMR is primarily influenced by my activity level."
Rationale: Basal metabolic rate (BMR) refers to the number of calories required to sustain vital functions at rest (e.g., breathing, circulation, temperature regulation). While physical activity contributes to overall energy expenditure, it does not significantly impact BMR.
A nurse is educating a group of clients about reading food labels. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?
A. "The % Daily Value on food labels is based on a 1,500-calorie diet."
B. "Ingredients are listed in order of least to most quantity."
C. "A product labeled as ‘low fat’ contains no fat at all."
D. "Look at the serving size first to understand the nutrition content per portion."
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The serving size listed on a nutrition label helps consumers accurately interpret the amount of nutrients they are consuming per portion. The % Daily Value is based on a 2,000-calorie diet, ingredients are listed from most to least in quantity, and "low fat" means it contains 3 grams or less of fat per serving, not zero fat.
A client following a strict Orthodox Jewish diet is admitted to the hospital. Which dietary request should the nurse anticipate?
A. Only plant-based meals
B. No beef or pork products
C. Kosher-certified meals with separate meat and dairy dishes
D. Meals with no restrictions, as dietary laws are not followed in healthcare settings
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Orthodox Jewish individuals follow kosher dietary laws (kashrut), which require kosher-certified foods and the separation of meat and dairy. While pork is prohibited, beef is allowed if prepared according to kosher guidelines. Kosher laws are often observed even in healthcare settings, so the nurse should ensure the dietary request is met.
A nurse is caring for a patient with anorexia nervosa. Which of the following is the primary goal of nutrition therapy for this patient?
A. Increase calorie intake to 3,000 kcal/day immediately.
B. Prevent further weight loss and reestablish normal eating behaviors.
C. Allow the patient to eat freely without supervision.
D. Encourage the patient to eat high-fat foods to promote rapid weight gain.
Correct Answer: B. Prevent further weight loss and reestablish normal eating behaviors.
Rationale: The primary goals of nutrition therapy for anorexia nervosa include preventing further weight loss, gradually increasing weight, and reestablishing normal eating behaviors. A rapid increase in calories or unrestricted eating can cause discomfort and increase resistance to treatment.
A nurse is explaining the difference between health claims and structure/function claims on food labels. Which of the following is an example of a structure/function claim?
A. "Calcium may help prevent osteoporosis."
B. "Low sodium may help prevent high blood pressure."
C. "Supports a healthy immune system."
D. "Fiber may reduce the risk of heart disease."
Correct Answer: C. "Supports a healthy immune system."
Rationale: Structure/function claims suggest that a food may support body function (e.g., "supports a healthy immune system") but do not require FDA approval. In contrast, health claims (e.g., "calcium may help prevent osteoporosis") link a nutrient to disease prevention and must meet specific FDA regulations.
A nurse is assisting a client in calculating their Body Mass Index (BMI). The client weighs 176 pounds and is 5 feet 7 inches (67 inches) tall. What is their BMI?
A. 24.2
B. 27.6
C. 29.5
D. 31.0
Correct Answer: A. 24.2
Rationale: BMI is calculated using the formula:
BMI=weight in pounds×703height in inches2
A BMI of 24.2 falls within the normal weight range (18.5–24.9).
A client asks the nurse about dietary supplements. Which statement by the nurse is correct?
A. "Dietary supplements must be proven safe and effective before they are sold."
B. "The FDA regulates supplements in the same way it does prescription medications."
C. "It’s important to check for third-party verification, such as USP, when choosing supplements."
D. "If a supplement is labeled 'natural,' it means it is completely safe."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The FDA does not regulate dietary supplements as strictly as prescription medications. Supplements do not require FDA approval for safety or effectiveness before being sold. Third-party verifications like USP (United States Pharmacopeia) can help ensure quality and purity. "Natural" does not always mean safe, as some natural products can still have harmful effects.
A nurse is planning care for a Hindu client who follows a vegetarian diet. Which food should the nurse avoid offering?
A. Lentils and rice
B. Tofu stir-fry
C. Chicken curry
D. Vegetable samosas
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Many Hindus follow a vegetarian diet and abstain from consuming meat, especially beef, as cows are considered sacred. While dietary practices can vary, it is best to avoid offering meat unless the client specifies otherwise. The other options are plant-based and align with a vegetarian Hindu diet.
A nurse is counseling a client with bulimia nervosa on nutritional therapy. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate?
A. Allow the client to follow an unstructured eating pattern to promote flexibility.
B. Focus on correcting food misinformation and providing structured meal plans.
C. Restrict dietary fat intake to prevent weight gain.
D. Encourage purging behavior to avoid weight gain.
Correct Answer: B. Focus on correcting food misinformation and providing structured meal plans.
Rationale: Nutritional therapy for bulimia nervosa focuses on correcting food-related misinformation, providing structured meal plans to help regulate eating patterns, and promoting a sense of control. Restricting fat intake is not recommended, as adequate fat helps delay gastric emptying and promotes satiety.
Which of the following dietary supplement regulations is true?
A. The FDA must approve all dietary supplements before they are marketed.
B. Dietary supplements must carry FDA-approved warning labels.
C. Manufacturers must report serious adverse events to the FDA.
D. Supplements must meet the same standards as prescription drugs
Correct Answer: C. Manufacturers must report serious adverse events to the FDA.
Rationale: While supplements are not regulated as strictly as prescription drugs, manufacturers are required to report serious adverse events to the FDA. However, supplements do not require FDA approval before being marketed and do not need to carry FDA-approved warning labels.
Which client is at the highest risk for obesity-related health conditions based on waist circumference measurements?
A. A male with a waist circumference of 35 inches
B. A female with a waist circumference of 32 inches
C. A male with a waist circumference of 42 inches
D. A female with a waist circumference of 33 inches
Correct Answer: C. A male with a waist circumference of 42 inches
Rationale: Abdominal obesity is defined as:
A client is concerned about foodborne illnesses. Which statement made by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I should refrigerate perishable foods within 2 hours of purchasing them."
B. "Cooking meat to the recommended internal temperature can help prevent foodborne illnesses."
C. "Washing raw chicken before cooking reduces my risk of food poisoning."
D. "I should wash my hands for at least 20 seconds before preparing food."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Washing raw chicken is not recommended, as it can spread bacteria like Salmonella through water droplets. Instead, cooking chicken to the proper temperature (165°F or 74°C) is the best way to eliminate harmful bacteria. The other statements correctly reflect safe food handling practices.
A nurse is educating a group of healthcare workers about dietary restrictions for Seventh-day Adventists. Which statement by a participant indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "Many Seventh-day Adventists follow a vegetarian diet."
B. "They typically avoid caffeine and alcohol."
C. "They consume pork as long as it is cooked properly."
D. "Their dietary choices are influenced by health and religious beliefs."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Seventh-day Adventists often follow a vegetarian diet and avoid pork, as well as other "unclean" meats according to biblical dietary laws. They also typically abstain from caffeine and alcohol due to health and religious beliefs. A statement indicating that pork is acceptable would require correction.
A client undergoing bariatric surgery is being educated about post-surgical diet progression. Which of the following dietary instructions should the nurse include?
A. The client should start with soft, solid foods immediately after surgery.
B. The client should drink sugar-sweetened beverages to maintain hydration.
C. The client should begin with small quantities of sugar-free clear liquids.
D. The client should eat large meals to promote faster healing
Correct Answer: C. The client should begin with small quantities of sugar-free clear liquids.
Rationale: After bariatric surgery, dietary progression starts with small amounts of sugar-free clear liquids, followed by full liquids, pureed foods, and eventually a regular diet over several weeks. Sugary beverages should be avoided to prevent dumping syndrome, and large meals can lead to discomfort and complications.
A patient asks about "gluten-free" food labeling. Which of the following is true about gluten-free labeling regulations?
A. A product labeled "gluten-free" must contain less than 20 ppm of gluten.
B. Only naturally gluten-free foods can carry a gluten-free label.
C. Any food can be labeled gluten-free without regulation.
D. A food must be completely free of gluten to be labeled gluten-free.
Correct Answer: A. A product labeled "gluten-free" must contain less than 20 ppm of gluten.
Rationale: The FDA requires that products labeled "gluten-free" contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten to ensure safety for individuals with celiac disease. Naturally gluten-free foods, such as fruits and vegetables, may also carry this label.
A nurse is educating a group of clients on physical activity recommendations for maintaining a healthy weight. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?
A. "Engaging in 60 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week is enough for weight maintenance."
B. "Adults should aim for at least 300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week for additional health benefits."
C. "Physical activity does not play a role in energy balance."
D. "Strength training exercises are not necessary for weight management."
Correct Answer: B. "Adults should aim for at least 300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week for additional health benefits."
Rationale: The minimum recommendation for physical activity is 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, but 300 minutes provides additional health benefits. Strength training is also important for muscle maintenance and metabolism.
A nurse is counseling a client about food marketing claims. Which statement by the client demonstrates correct understanding?
A. "‘Sugar-free’ means the product contains no sugar at all."
B. "‘Natural’ means the food is free of artificial ingredients and preservatives."
C. "‘Multigrain’ means the product is made from whole grains."
D. "‘Gluten-free’ is important for people with celiac disease but may not provide benefits for others."
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: "Gluten-free" is essential for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity but does not necessarily offer benefits to those without these conditions. "Sugar-free" may still contain sugar alcohols, "natural" is not well-regulated and may still have additives, and "multigrain" does not guarantee the use of whole grains.
A hospitalized Catholic client tells the nurse they observe meat abstinence on Fridays during Lent. What is the best nursing intervention?
A. Offer a plant-based or fish-based meal alternative.
B. Explain that dietary restrictions do not need to be followed in the hospital.
C. Encourage the client to eat a small amount of meat for protein.
D. Tell the client to skip meals if meat-free options are unavailable.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: During Lent, many Catholics abstain from eating meat on Fridays but may consume fish and plant-based meals. The nurse should respect religious dietary practices by offering appropriate alternatives. It is not appropriate to dismiss the client’s religious beliefs, encourage them to eat meat, or suggest skipping meals.