Nutrients
A nurse is educating a patient on the role of macronutrients in the diet. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A) "Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats provide energy for the body."
B) "Only vitamins and minerals supply energy to the body."
C) "Macronutrients are essential for tissue building and repair."
D) "A balanced intake of macronutrients supports overall health."
B) "Only vitamins and minerals supply energy to the body."
Rationale:
Vitamins and minerals do not supply energy (calories) but instead help regulate and control body processes (Micro). Only carbohydrates, proteins, and fats provide energy for the body (Macro).
A nurse is explaining BMI limitations to a patient. Which population group is most likely to have a misleading BMI result?
A) Elderly individuals
B) Pregnant women
C) Athletes with high muscle mass
D) All of the above
Correct Answer:
D) All of the above
Rationale: Developmental considerations
BMI does not differentiate between fat and muscle mass or account for fluid retention. It may be misleading in:
A nurse is providing dietary education to a patient with hypertension. Which of the following diet recommendations is most appropriate?
A) Increase sodium intake to maintain electrolyte balance
B) Follow a high-protein, low-carb diet
C) Follow the DASH diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy
D) Consume a diet primarily based on processed foods for convenience
C) Follow the DASH diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy
Rationale:
The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is designed to reduce blood pressure by emphasizing foods high in potassium, magnesium, and fiber while limiting sodium, red meats, and processed foods.
A nurse is assessing a patient’s nutritional status. Which of the following social determinants of health should be considered? (Select all that apply.)
A) Economic stability
B) Access to healthcare
C) Food ideology and religious beliefs
D) Genetic predisposition to obesity
A) Economic stability
B) Access to healthcare
C) religious beliefs
Rationale:
Social determinants of health, such as economic stability, healthcare access, cultural food beliefs, and education, significantly influence nutritional status and food choices. While genetics play a role in obesity, they are not considered a social determinant.
A nurse is caring for a bedridden patient with poor oral hygiene. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A) Encourage the patient to drink only water to clean their mouth
B) Avoid using mouthwash, as it may be harmful
C) Moisten the mouth, clean the teeth, and care for dentures regularly
D) Recommend oral hygiene only once per week to avoid irritation
C) Moisten the mouth, clean the teeth, and care for dentures regularly
Which of the following is NOT classified as a macronutrient?
A) Protein
B) Carbohydrate
C) Minerals
D) Fat
C) Minerals
Rationale:
Macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) provide energy and tissue-building materials. Micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) regulate body processes but do not provide energy.
A nurse is assessing a patient’s BMI. Which BMI range is considered normal weight for adults?
A) Below 18.5
B) 18.5 – 24.9
C) 25.0 – 29.9
D) 30.0 and above
B) 18.5 – 24.9
Rationale:
BMI classifications:
A nurse is educating a patient on weight management. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding?
A) "If my total daily energy intake exceeds my energy expenditure, I will lose weight."
B) "Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats all contribute to my total daily energy intake."
C) "Only physical activity contributes to my total daily energy expenditure."
D) "Metabolism does not affect my calorie needs."
B) "Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats all contribute to my total daily energy intake."
Rationale:
Energy balance depends on total daily energy intake (calories consumed) and total daily energy expenditure (calories burned). Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are the only macronutrients that provide energy.
A patient tells the nurse, "I cannot afford fresh fruits and vegetables, so I eat mostly fast food." This statement reflects which factor affecting nutrition?
A) Physiologic factor
B) Social determinant of health
C) Personal preference
D) Food aversion
B) Social determinant of health
Rationale:
Economic stability and access to healthy food are social determinants of health that influence dietary choices. Limited income can lead to reliance on processed or fast foods, which may be less nutritious.
True or false:
Total daily energy intake = total calories for each food item eaten
Answer: True
Rationale:
Total daily energy intake is the sum of all the calories from every food and beverage consumed in a day.
A patient on a vegetarian diet is at risk for a deficiency in which of the following nutrients?
A) Vitamin C and folic acid
B) Iron and Vitamin B12
C) Fiber and antioxidants
D) Carbohydrates and Vitamin D
B) Iron and Vitamin B12
Rationale:
Vegetarian diets may lack iron (anemia), lower Vitamin D and calcium, Omega3-fatty acids and Vitamin B12, which is found primarily in animal products.
A nurse is teaching a patient about weight management. Which statement by the patient requires correction?
A) "My total daily energy intake should match my energy expenditure to maintain my weight."
B) "If I consume more calories than I burn, I will gain weight."
C) "Only my physical activity affects my total daily energy expenditure."
D) "Eating nutrient-dense foods can help me maintain a healthy weight."
C) "Only my physical activity affects my total daily energy expenditure."
TDEE-all of the calories used to perform physical activity, maintain metabolism, and digest, absorb, and metabolize food
A nurse is educating a patient with a history of cardiovascular disease about dietary modifications. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding?
A) "I should follow a high-fat, low-carb diet."
B) "The Mediterranean diet, which includes healthy fats, may be beneficial for my heart."
C) "Processed foods are a good source of healthy fats."
D) "I should increase my sodium intake to maintain blood pressure."
B) "The Mediterranean diet, which includes healthy fats, may be beneficial for my heart."
Rationale:
The Mediterranean diet is high in healthy fats (e.g., olive oil, nuts), whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and fish while being low in processed foods and unhealthy fats, making it heart-healthy.
A patient is diagnosed with chronic constipation. The nurse advises increasing dietary fiber. Which of the following foods is the best source of fiber?
A) White rice and chicken
B) Apple with skin and lentils
C) Eggs and yogurt
D) Cheese and white bread
B) Apple with skin and lentils
Rationale:
Fiber-rich foods include fruits (especially with skin), vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Fiber helps improve bowel movements and manage conditions like constipation and diverticulosis.
A nurse is caring for a patient experiencing constipation due to enteral feeding. Which intervention is most appropriate?
A) Increase water intake
B) Decrease formula rate
C) Switch to room-temperature formula
D) Administer formula intermittently
A) Increase water intake
Rationale:
Increasing water intake helps alleviate constipation associated with enteral feeding. Administering formula at room temperature can prevent discomfort, but it does not address constipation.
A patient with chronic difficulty swallowing is scheduled for the surgical placement of a feeding tube. Which type of tube is indicated for long-term nutritional support?
A) NG Tube
B) G-Tube
C) TPN
D) PPN
B) G-Tube
Rationale:
A G-tube is surgically inserted into the stomach for long-term nutritional support. TPN and PPN refer to parenteral nutrition, which bypasses the gastrointestinal tract.
A nurse is differentiating anorexia from other medical conditions. Which of the following best describes anorexia?
A) Lack of appetite
B) Uncontrolled weight loss with high appetite
C) Difficulty swallowing food
D) Severe malnutrition from prolonged starvation
A) Lack of appetite
Rationale:
Anorexia is simply a lack of appetite
A nurse is educating a patient with hypertension on dietary modifications. Which diet should the nurse recommend?
A) Mediterranean diet
B) DASH diet
C) Low-protein diet
D) High-fat, low-carb diet
B) DASH diet
Rationale:
The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet emphasizes:
This diet is specifically designed to help lower blood pressure.
Which of the following statements is correct regarding PPN (Peripheral Parenteral Nutrition)?
A) It can be used for long-term nutrition.
B) It is administered via a central vein.
C) It is typically used for short-term nutrition of up to 14 days.
D) It has a higher concentration of dextrose compared to TPN.
C) It is typically used for short-term nutrition of up to 14 days.
Rationale:
PPN is administered into a peripheral vein and is suitable for short-term nutrition (up to 14 days).
A patient receiving enteral nutrition reports dizziness, rapid pulse, and sweating shortly after feeding. What complication should the nurse suspect?
A) Constipation
B) Dumping syndrome
C) Electrolyte imbalance
D) Tube dislodgement
B) Dumping syndrome
Rationale:
Dumping syndrome occurs due to the rapid emptying of formula into the small intestine, causing symptoms like dizziness, diaphoresis, rapid heart rate, and pallor.
A patient with a history of cardiovascular disease is advised to follow a Mediterranean diet. Which of the following foods should be emphasized in this diet?
A) Red meats and butter
B) Olive oil, fish, and fresh vegetables
C) Processed grains and sugary snacks
D) High-fat dairy products
B) Olive oil, fish, and fresh vegetables
Rationale:
The Mediterranean diet emphasizes heart-healthy foods such as olive oil, fatty fish (rich in omega-3), fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts, which help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. It limits red meats, saturated fats, and processed foods.
A nurse is counseling a patient with a BMI of 28.5. Which intervention is most appropriate?
A) Encourage a balanced diet and regular exercise to prevent further weight gain.
B) Recommend increasing caloric intake to promote weight gain.
C) Suggest a strictly liquid diet to reduce weight quickly.
D) Tell the patient not to worry because BMI is not an important health indicator.
A) Encourage a balanced diet and regular exercise to prevent further weight gain.
A BMI of 28.5 falls into the overweight category. Encouraging healthy lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, is the most appropriate intervention.
A consistent carbohydrate diet is most commonly prescribed for patients with which condition?
A) Chronic kidney disease
B) Diabetes mellitus
C) Hypertension
D) Liver failure
B) Diabetes mellitus
Rationale:
A consistent carbohydrate diet helps manage blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes by regulating carbohydrate intake. The diet includes whole grains, fruits, legumes and non-starchy vegetables while avoiding simple sugars and refined carbs.
A patient who cannot tolerate enteral nutrition is prescribed TPN. What is the correct route of administration?
A) Peripheral vein
B) Central vein
C) Gastrostomy tube
D) Jejunostomy tube
B) Central vein
Rationale:
TPN is administered via a central vein (e.g., central line) because its high osmolarity could damage smaller peripheral veins.
A nurse is monitoring a patient receiving enteral nutrition. Which of the following findings indicates a complication?
A) Constipation and abdominal distension
B) Steady weight gain
C) Normal bowel sounds
D) Absence of nausea or vomiting
A) Constipation and abdominal distension
Rationale:
Complications of enteral nutrition include constipation, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, abdominal distension, and dumping syndrome, which result from formula or feeding rate issues.