Nutrition Practice Questions (Prep-U)

An athlete wants to increase her intake of complex carbohydrates and asks the nurse for potential sources. Which food is considered a complex carbohydrate? A. Bread B. Syrup C. Molasses D. Brown Sugar

A. Bread Bread, cereal, potatoes, rice, pasta, crackers, flour products, and legumes contain complex carbohydrates.

At what period of life do nutrient needs stabilize? A. Adulthood B. Infancy C. Adolescence D. Pregnancy

A. Adulthood Nutrient needs change across the life span in relation to growth, development, activity, and age. Periods of intense growth and development (such as during infancy, adolescence, pregnancy and lactation) increase nutrient needs. Nutrient needs stabilize during adulthood.

The community nurse is educating client groups about nutrition. Which group does the nurse identify that will benefit most from nutritional counseling and intervention? A. Older adults living on a fixed income B. Double income, married individuals C. Married, pregnant women over 30 years of age D. People who live in farming communities

A. Older Adults living on a fixed income Older adults who are socially isolated or living on fixed incomes will benefit most from nutritional counseling and intervention. Other individuals are not at the same level of risk.

The nurse is teaching a client about ways in which to reduce sodium in the diet. Which foods will the nurse recommend that the client avoid? Select all that apply. A. Table Salt B. Cured Ham C. Egg Yolk D. Bacon E. Whole Wheat Pasta F. Whole Milk

A. Table Salt, B. Cured Ham, D. Bacon Sodium is found in higher concentrations in table salt and bacon, and processed meats. The other choices do not have a high concentration of sodium.

A nurse is educating a group of adolescent girls on bone and teeth growth. Which is a fat-soluble vitamin assists to build bone and teeth? A. Vitamin D. B. Vitamin E. C. Vitamin A D. Vitamin K

A. Vitamin D Vitamin D stimulates the absorption of calcium, which is an essential component for building strong, healthy bones and teeth. Vitamin A is essential in maintaining visual acuity, cell growth, and the immune system. Vitamin E is an antioxidant and also functions in promoting healing and healthy skin (cell growth). Vitamin K is essential in clotting.

A client who has bleeding tendencies has a deficiency in which vitamin? A. Vitamin K B. Vitamin A C. Vitamin C D. Vitamin B

A. Vitamin K Vitamin K deficiencies are manifested in two ways: an increased tendency to hemorrhage and hemorrhagic disease of the newborn, which is common in premature or anoxic newborns.

The nurse is helping a client with a low-fat dietary order to eat breakfast. Which food will the nurse remove from the dietary tray? A. Whole Milk B. Coffee C. Egg Whites D. Wheat Toast

A. Whole Milk The nurse should remove whole milk from the tray since this has the highest amount of fat in it. The other choices have fewer amounts of fat and may be suitable for this client's diet.

A client is discussing vitamin and mineral intake with the nurse. Which client statement requires further nursing teaching? A. "I drink orange juice fortified with added calcium" B. "My husband and I are ordering a product that has megadoses of vitamins" C. "My body does not make its own vitamins" D. "Cooking can change the vitamin contents in foods"

B. "My husband and I are ordering a product that has megadoses of vitamins" Consuming megadoses (amounts exceeding those considered adequate for health) of vitamins and minerals can be dangerous. This statement requires further nursing teaching. The other statements do not require further teaching.

Which nursing action associated with successful tube feedings follows the recommended guidelines? A. Check the tube placement by adding food dye to the tube feed as a means of detecting aspirated fluid B. Check the residual before each feeding or every 4 to 8 hours during a continuous feeding C. Prevent contamination during enteral feedings by using an open systems D. Assess for bowel sounds at least 4 times per shift to ensure the presence of peristalsis and functional intestinal tract

B. Check the residual before each feeding or every 4 to 8 hours during a continuous feeding The nurse should check the residual before each feeding or every 4 to 8 hours during a continuous feeding. High gastric residual volumes (200 to 250 mL or greater) can be associated with high risk for aspiration and aspiration-related pneumonia. A closed system is the best way to prevent contamination during enteral feedings. The bowel sounds do not have to be assessed as often as 4 times per shift. Once a shift is sufficient. Food dye should not be added as a means to assess tube placement or potential aspiration of fluid.

The nurse is educating a client with anemia about increasing the iron in her diet. Which foods would the nurse teach the client that are high in iron? (Select all that Apply) A. Processed Meat B. Egg Yolk C. Liver D. Bananas E. Spinach D. Tofu

B. Egg Yolk C. Liver E. Spinach F. Tofu

Upon assessment, the nurse determines the client has a body mass index (BMI) of 45. This finding indicates the client is: A. Normal Weight B. Extremely Obese C. Underweight D. Obese

B. Extremely Obese A person with a BMI below 18.5 is underweight, a BMI of 19 to 24.5 indicates normal weight, a BMI of 25 to 29.9 indicates an overweight individual, a BMI of 30 or greater indicates obesity, and a BMI of 40 or greater indicates extreme obesity.

A female client has developed an abscess following abdominal surgery, and her food intake has been decreasing over the past 2 weeks. Which laboratory finding may suggest the need for nutritional support? A. Low random blood glucose levels B. Low serum albumin levels C. Increased white blood cells D. Proteinuria

B. Low serum albumin levels Serum albumin levels are a good indicator of a client's nutritional status; decreased levels are suggestive of malnutrition. Protein in the client's urine, low blood sugars, and increased white blood cells are not necessarily indicative of malnutrition. Proteinuria is urine having an abnormal amount of protein. The condition is often a sign of kidney disease. Random blood sugar can be affected by food intake. White blood cells are indicative of infection.

A nurse is caring for a client who has a body mass index (BMI) of 26.5. Which category should the nurse place this client in? A. Healthy Weight B. Overweight C. Underweight D. Obese

B. Overweight A client with a BMI below 18.5 should be considered underweight. A client with a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered to be at a healthy weight. A client with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight; a client with a BMI of 30 or greater indicates obesity. A BMI greater than 40 is considered extreme obesity.

Which laboratory test is the best indicator of a client in need of TPN? A. Hemoglobin B. Serum Albumin C. Hematocrit D. Creatinine

B. Serum Albumin Assessment of serum albumin level is the best indicator of a client in need of total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Clients whose levels are 2.5 g/dL (25 g/L) or less are at severe risk for malnutrition. Creatinine is used to assess kidney function. Hemoglobin and hematocrit assess the red blood cells of a client.

A nurse is reviewing a client's laboratory values. Which laboratory value would be indicative of a the client's level of malnutrition? A. Creatinine B. Serum Albumin C. Hemoglobin D. Oxygen Saturation

B. Serum Albumin Serum albumin levels can help measure protein levels in the body and are good indicators for nutrition status. Hemoglobin levels maintain red blood cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and returns carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs. Creatinine is a laboratory value that assesses kidney function. Oxygen saturation is the fraction of oxygen-saturated hemoglobin relative to total hemoglobin in the blood. It is best used to determine how well a client is oxygenating.

The charge nurse is observing a new nurse care for a client who is receiving a continuous feeding through a nasogastric feeding tube. Which action by the new nurse would require intervention by the charge nurse? A. The new nurse interrupts the feeding every 4 hours and aspirates gastric contents B. The new nurse places the client in the left lateral recumbent position C. The new nurse asks the client whether nausea or abdominal pain is present D. The new nurse changes cloves before preparing the feeding bag

B. The new nurse places the client in the left lateral recumbent position The client's head should be elevated 30 to 45 degrees. All of the other actions are correct and would not require intervention by the charge nurse.

The nurse is caring for a client who refuses most foods on the dietary tray? Which nursing intervention is appropriate? A. Allow the client privacy during mealtime B. Delegate feeding assistance to the unlicensed assistive personnel C. Assess when client generally eats meals D. Contact the healthcare provider to prescribe an appetite stimulant

C. Assess when client generally eats meals There are many reasons a client may refuse food that is served. The nurse should assess for food preferences, when the client generally eats, whether the client has digestive concerns, and cultural beliefs about foods. Leaving the client alone to eat, or simply delegating feeding, does not encourage intake. The client does not need an appetite stimulant until a full assessment has been conducted and other interventions have been implemented.

A client with diabetes must monitor intake of sugar. Which client statement requires nursing intervention? A. I like to eat chicken salad for lunch B. I will monitor my intake of egg yolks C. At every meal I eat bread with honey D. My favorite drink is black coffee

C. At every meal I eat bread with honey A client monitoring carbohydrate intake should be mindful of the intake sugar, which is found in honey. All other dietary choices are acceptable.

A client resides in a long-term care facility. Which nursing intervention would promote increased dietary intake? A. Allow the client to eat when they want to B. Feed the client their meal while in bed C. Encourage the client to eat in the dining room D. Discourage the family from visiting during meals

C. Encourage the client to eat in the dining room Encouraging the client to eat in the dining room will allow for socialization during meal time. This will have a positive effect on the amount of food consumed and provide enjoyment. Feeding the client in bed encourages isolation from other residents. Allowing the client to eat whenever does not support socialization. Discouraging the family is not recommended as the family can provide support and be assistive to the client and their food needs.

A postmenopausal client wishes to increase the amount of vitamin D that she consumes to help keep her bones strong. Which food will the nurse recommend? A. Green Leafy Vegetables B. Whole-Grain cereal C. Milk D. Read Meat

C. Milk Milk contains vitamin D, which helps with the absorption of calcium and phosphorous. The other choices do not.

An older adult client has a decubitus ulcer with drainage, dysphagia, and immobility. She consumes less than 300 calories per day and has a large amount of interstitial fluid. The client is in a state of: A. Positive nitrogen balance B. Anabolism C. Negative Nitrogen balance D. Digestion

C. Negative Nitrogen Balance A negative nitrogen balance exists when excretion of nitrogen exceeds the intake.

A nurse is removing an NG tube and notes epistaxis. What nursing interventions would the nurse perform in this situation? Select all that apply: A. Record the amount of blood in the suction containter B. Offer facial tissue to blow nose C. Occlude both nares until bleeding has subsided D. Document epistaxis in client's medical record E. Notify primary care provider and anticipate order to reinsert NG tube F. Ensure that client is in upright position

C. Occlude both nares until bleeding has subsided D. Document epistaxis in the client's medical record F. Ensure that patient is in upright position The nurse would occlude both nares until bleeding subsided. This would help to stop the nosebleed. The nurse would ensure that the client is in the upright position. This will help the client from swallowing blood, which could lead to nausea and emesis. The nurse would document the episode in the client's medical record. The nurse would not contact the primary care provider if the nurse is removing the tube. There would be no need to reinsert the tube if a nosebleed occurred when removing the tube. The nurse would not encourage the client to blow the nose, as this will not help the nosebleed to stop. There would not be blood in the suction container if the nurse is removing the NG tube and the nosebleed occurred.

Which client(s) are at risk for poor nutritional intake, would benefit from nutritional counseling from the nurse? Select all that apply: A. Individuals who prefer to purchase food from local farmers B. Children of middle-income parents C. Older adults living on fixed incomes D. People with substance use problems E. Pregnant Teenagers

C. Older Adults living on a fixed income D. People with substance use problems E. Pregnant Teenagers Examples of those in the United States at risk for an inadequate nutritional intake include older adults who are socially isolated or living on fixed income, homeless people, children of economically deprived parents, pregnant teenagers, people with substance use problems, and clients with eating disorders. Children of middle-income parents and individuals who prefer to purchase food from local farmers are not necessarily at risk.

A physician orders nutritional therapy administered via a central vein for a client who cannot take foods orally. What is the term for this type of nutrition? A. Precutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy tube (PEJ) B. Partial or peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN) C. Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) D. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube (PEG)

C. Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) TPN is nutritional therapy that bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and is administered through a central vein. PPN is nutritional therapy used for clients who have an inadequate oral intake and require supplementation of nutrients through a peripheral vein. A PEG is a surgically placed gastrostomy tube. A PEJ is a surgically placed jejunostomy tube.

Which of the following is a fat-soluble vitamin? A. Vitamin C B. Vitamin B12 C. Vitamin E D. Vitamin B6

C. Vitamin E Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin

Which nursing student statement regarding vegetarian diets requires further teaching from the nursing instructor? A. Colorectal cancer is not as common in vegetarians compared to people who eat high-fat diets B. Semi-vegetarians exclude red meat from their diet and seek protein elsewhere C. Protein complementation is important to help the client get the needed amino acids D. According to research, vegetarians have a higher incidence of obesity than others

D. According to research , vegetarians have a higher incidence of obesity than others Vegetarians have a lower incidence of colorectal cancer and fewer problems with obesity and diseases associated with a high-fat diet. Protein complementation helps a client get amino acids needed. Vegans rely solely on plant sources for protein; semi-vegetarians exclude only red meat from their diet.

A nurse is learning about religious dietary restrictions at a nursing conference. Which religious meal selection should the nurse understand is appropriate? A. Orthodox Jews: Grilled Shrimp B. Orthodox Jews: Grilled Pork Chop C. Mormons: Toast with Coffee D. Hindus: Vegetable Plate

D. Hindus: Vegetable Plate Dietary restrictions associated with religions are extremely important to provide culturally competent nursing care. Hindus do not consume beef because cows are considered a sacred creature. They are typically vegetarians; therefore, a vegetable plate is appropriate for this client. Orthodox Jews must have kosher foods. Shrimp and pork are prohibited in this religion. Mormons do not drink coffee, tea, or alcohol and they limit their meat consumption.

Which nursing action is performed according to guidelines for aspirating fluid from a small-bore feeding tube? A. Place the client in the Trendelenburg position to facilitate the fluid aspirating process B. Use a small syringe and insert 10 mL of air C. Continue to instill air until fluid is aspirated D. If fluid is obtained when aspirating, measure its volume and pH and flush the tube with water

D. If fluid is obtained when aspirating, measure its volume and pH and flush the tube with water The nurse would measure the volume and pH of the aspirated fluid, then flush the tube with water. The nurse would not place the client in Trendelenburg position as this could lead to reflux of the feeding from the stomach and possibly cause aspiration of the solution into the lungs. The nurse would not use a small syringe or continue to instill air until fluid is aspirated.

The nurse is performing a nutritional assessment of an obese client who visits a weight control clinic. What information should the nurse take into consideration when planning a weight reduction plan for this client? A. One pound of body fat equals approx. 5,000 calories B. To lose 1 pound a week, the daily intake should be decreased by 200 calories C. Obesity is very treatable, and 50% of obese people who lose weight maintain the weight loss for 7 years D. Psychological reasons for overeating should be explored, such as eating as a release for boredom

D. Psychological reasons for overeating should be explored, such as eating as a release for boredom The nurse would need to take into consideration that psychological reasons for overeating should be explored. One pound of body fat is equal to approximately 3,500 calories. To lose 1 pound/week, the daily intake should be decreased by 500 calories per day. Obesity can be difficult to treat due to various factors.

The average dietary nutrient intake level that meets the nutritional requirement of almost all healthy people in a selected age and gender group is the: A. Al level B. UL level C. EAR level D. RDA level

D. RDA level The RDA level is the average dietary intake level that meets the nutritional requirement of almost all healthy people in a selected age and gender group.