NUR 1172/NUR1172 Final Exam V3 |
Nutritional Principles in Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is caring for a patient receiving Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN). Which of the
following nursing actions is most critical to prevent complications related to glucose
instability?
A. Monitor blood glucose levels every 6 hours.
B. Increase the infusion rate if the schedule falls behind.
C. Change the TPN tubing every 72 hours.
D. Administer the TPN via a peripheral IV line.
Answer: A
Rationale: TPN contains a high concentration of dextrose which significantly increases the
risk of hyperglycemia. Monitoring blood glucose every 6 hours allows the nurse to identify
and manage these fluctuations promptly. If TPN is stopped abruptly or delayed, the patient
may also experience rebound hypoglycemia, making consistent monitoring vital.
2. A patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is prescribed a low-phosphorus diet. Which
food should the nurse instruct the patient to avoid?
A. White rice
B. Carrots
,C. Apples
D. Dairy products
Answer: D
Rationale: Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are naturally high in
phosphorus and must be limited in CKD patients. High phosphorus levels in the blood can
lead to calcium being pulled from the bones, causing them to become weak and brittle.
Patients are often encouraged to choose non-dairy alternatives or limit servings to keep
levels within a safe range.
3. When teaching a patient with hypertension about the DASH diet, which mineral intake
should the nurse emphasize increasing?
A. Potassium
B. Chloride
C. Sodium
D. Iron
Answer: A
Rationale: The DASH diet focuses on increasing intake of potassium, magnesium, and
calcium to help lower blood pressure. Potassium helps the body excrete sodium through
urine and eases tension in the blood vessel walls. This dietary pattern emphasizes fruits,
vegetables, and low-fat dairy to achieve these mineral targets.
, 4. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a patient with alcoholism. Which vitamin
deficiency is the nurse most likely to find?
A. Vitamin B12
B. Vitamin C
C. Thiamine (B1)
D. Vitamin K
Answer: C
Rationale: Chronic alcohol consumption often leads to thiamine deficiency because alcohol
interferes with its absorption and utilization. Thiamine deficiency can lead to serious
neurological conditions like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Nurses should anticipate
thiamine supplementation in patients with a history of heavy alcohol use to prevent
cognitive impairment.
5. Which of the following assessments is the most reliable indicator of a patient’s fluid status?
A. Skin turgor
B. Presence of edema
C. Intake and output totals
D. Daily weight
Answer: D
Nutritional Principles in Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is caring for a patient receiving Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN). Which of the
following nursing actions is most critical to prevent complications related to glucose
instability?
A. Monitor blood glucose levels every 6 hours.
B. Increase the infusion rate if the schedule falls behind.
C. Change the TPN tubing every 72 hours.
D. Administer the TPN via a peripheral IV line.
Answer: A
Rationale: TPN contains a high concentration of dextrose which significantly increases the
risk of hyperglycemia. Monitoring blood glucose every 6 hours allows the nurse to identify
and manage these fluctuations promptly. If TPN is stopped abruptly or delayed, the patient
may also experience rebound hypoglycemia, making consistent monitoring vital.
2. A patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is prescribed a low-phosphorus diet. Which
food should the nurse instruct the patient to avoid?
A. White rice
B. Carrots
,C. Apples
D. Dairy products
Answer: D
Rationale: Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are naturally high in
phosphorus and must be limited in CKD patients. High phosphorus levels in the blood can
lead to calcium being pulled from the bones, causing them to become weak and brittle.
Patients are often encouraged to choose non-dairy alternatives or limit servings to keep
levels within a safe range.
3. When teaching a patient with hypertension about the DASH diet, which mineral intake
should the nurse emphasize increasing?
A. Potassium
B. Chloride
C. Sodium
D. Iron
Answer: A
Rationale: The DASH diet focuses on increasing intake of potassium, magnesium, and
calcium to help lower blood pressure. Potassium helps the body excrete sodium through
urine and eases tension in the blood vessel walls. This dietary pattern emphasizes fruits,
vegetables, and low-fat dairy to achieve these mineral targets.
, 4. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a patient with alcoholism. Which vitamin
deficiency is the nurse most likely to find?
A. Vitamin B12
B. Vitamin C
C. Thiamine (B1)
D. Vitamin K
Answer: C
Rationale: Chronic alcohol consumption often leads to thiamine deficiency because alcohol
interferes with its absorption and utilization. Thiamine deficiency can lead to serious
neurological conditions like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Nurses should anticipate
thiamine supplementation in patients with a history of heavy alcohol use to prevent
cognitive impairment.
5. Which of the following assessments is the most reliable indicator of a patient’s fluid status?
A. Skin turgor
B. Presence of edema
C. Intake and output totals
D. Daily weight
Answer: D
