ATI Nutrition Practice Assessment B – Extended Study Guide | ATI RN Nutrition
Online Practice Assessment B 2026 | Comprehensive Review of Clinical
Nutrition, Therapeutic Diets, Enteral & Parenteral Nutrition, Nutrition Across
the Lifespan, Client Education, NCLEX-RN & ATI Nutrition Exam Preparation | 60
Practice Questions with Rationales | Nursing School Success Resource
1. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is lactating about increasing
protein intake. Which food should the nurse recommend as the best source of
protein?
A. Legumes
B. Cottage cheese
C. Peanut butter
D. Whole grain cereal
Answer: B. Cottage cheese
Rationale: Cottage cheese is a complete protein, containing all nine essential
amino acids necessary for human growth and nourishment. Plant-based sources
like legumes and grains are often incomplete proteins.
2. A nurse is reviewing the lab results of a client with a pressure ulcer. Which
finding indicates the client is at risk for impaired wound healing?
A. Hgb 15 g/dL
B. Serum Albumin 3.0 g/dL
C. Prothrombin time 11.5 seconds
D. WBC 6,000/mm3
Answer: B. Serum Albumin 3.0 g/dL
Rationale: A serum albumin level of 3.0 g/dL is below the expected range (3.5-5
g/dL) and indicates malnutrition, which impairs wound healing and increases
infection risk.
3. A nurse is caring for a client receiving TPN. Which lab finding indicates the
TPN is effective?
A. Calcium 8 mg/mL
B. Hemoglobin 9 g/dL
C. Pre-albumin 30 mg/dL
D. Cholesterol 140 mg/dL
,Answer: C. Pre-albumin 30 mg/dL
Rationale: Pre-albumin is a sensitive indicator of nutritional status. A value of 30
mg/dL falls within the expected range of 15-36 mg/dL, indicating the TPN is
effective.
4. A nurse is caring for a client receiving continuous enteral feedings via NG
tube. The infusion stops. What is the priority action?
A. Change the formula
B. Change the tube
C. Notify the provider
D. Flush the tube with warm water
Answer: D. Flush the tube with warm water
Rationale: The nurse's priority is to flush the tube with 30-50 mL of warm water
to attempt to re-establish flow before taking other actions.
5. A client with diabetes reports feeling dizzy, weak, and shaky. What is the
priority action?
A. Offer 6 oz of orange juice
B. Document intake from the most recent meal
C. Teach manifestations of hypoglycemia
D. Check the client's blood glucose level
Answer: D. Check the client's blood glucose level
Rationale: The priority action is to assess the client. The nurse should check the
blood glucose level to confirm hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia before intervening.
6. A nurse is providing teaching for a client with a new prescription for
nifedipine. Which food should the client avoid?
A. Milk
B. Aged cheese
C. Grapefruit juice
D. Bananas
Answer: C. Grapefruit juice
Rationale: Grapefruit juice inhibits the metabolism of nifedipine (a calcium
channel blocker), leading to elevated medication levels and increased risk for
adverse effects.
, 7. A nurse is creating a plan of care for a client with anorexia nervosa. Which
intervention should be included?
A. Weigh the client once weekly at the same time of day
B. Stay with the client for 30 minutes after meals
C. Allow the client to schedule mealtimes
D. Assign privileges based on direct weight gain
Answer: D. Assign privileges based on direct weight gain
Rationale: This approach makes privileges dependent on treatment compliance
and weight gain, encouraging client involvement and providing motivation to
meet treatment goals.
8. A nurse is teaching a client about managing IBS. What should be included?
A. Increase intake of fresh fruit high in fructose
B. Limit foods that contain probiotics
C. Take peppermint oil during exacerbation of manifestations
D. Substitute white sugar with honey
Answer: C. Take peppermint oil during exacerbation of manifestations
Rationale: Peppermint oil relaxes the smooth muscle of the GI tract, which can
help decrease symptoms of IBS.
9. A client receiving radiation therapy reports a metallic taste. Which actions
should the nurse take? (Select all that apply)
A. Provide three large meals daily
B. Offer citrus fruits
C. Suggest pickles as a snack
D. Rinse silverware prior to eating
E. Gargle with mouthwash
Answer: B, C, E. Offer citrus fruits; Suggest pickles as a snack; Gargle with
mouthwash
Rationale: These actions stimulate saliva production, which helps diminish the
metallic taste often experienced during radiation therapy.
10. A nurse is planning dietary interventions for a client with laryngeal cancer
and stomatitis. Which intervention should be included?
A. Provide meals at room temperature
Online Practice Assessment B 2026 | Comprehensive Review of Clinical
Nutrition, Therapeutic Diets, Enteral & Parenteral Nutrition, Nutrition Across
the Lifespan, Client Education, NCLEX-RN & ATI Nutrition Exam Preparation | 60
Practice Questions with Rationales | Nursing School Success Resource
1. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is lactating about increasing
protein intake. Which food should the nurse recommend as the best source of
protein?
A. Legumes
B. Cottage cheese
C. Peanut butter
D. Whole grain cereal
Answer: B. Cottage cheese
Rationale: Cottage cheese is a complete protein, containing all nine essential
amino acids necessary for human growth and nourishment. Plant-based sources
like legumes and grains are often incomplete proteins.
2. A nurse is reviewing the lab results of a client with a pressure ulcer. Which
finding indicates the client is at risk for impaired wound healing?
A. Hgb 15 g/dL
B. Serum Albumin 3.0 g/dL
C. Prothrombin time 11.5 seconds
D. WBC 6,000/mm3
Answer: B. Serum Albumin 3.0 g/dL
Rationale: A serum albumin level of 3.0 g/dL is below the expected range (3.5-5
g/dL) and indicates malnutrition, which impairs wound healing and increases
infection risk.
3. A nurse is caring for a client receiving TPN. Which lab finding indicates the
TPN is effective?
A. Calcium 8 mg/mL
B. Hemoglobin 9 g/dL
C. Pre-albumin 30 mg/dL
D. Cholesterol 140 mg/dL
,Answer: C. Pre-albumin 30 mg/dL
Rationale: Pre-albumin is a sensitive indicator of nutritional status. A value of 30
mg/dL falls within the expected range of 15-36 mg/dL, indicating the TPN is
effective.
4. A nurse is caring for a client receiving continuous enteral feedings via NG
tube. The infusion stops. What is the priority action?
A. Change the formula
B. Change the tube
C. Notify the provider
D. Flush the tube with warm water
Answer: D. Flush the tube with warm water
Rationale: The nurse's priority is to flush the tube with 30-50 mL of warm water
to attempt to re-establish flow before taking other actions.
5. A client with diabetes reports feeling dizzy, weak, and shaky. What is the
priority action?
A. Offer 6 oz of orange juice
B. Document intake from the most recent meal
C. Teach manifestations of hypoglycemia
D. Check the client's blood glucose level
Answer: D. Check the client's blood glucose level
Rationale: The priority action is to assess the client. The nurse should check the
blood glucose level to confirm hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia before intervening.
6. A nurse is providing teaching for a client with a new prescription for
nifedipine. Which food should the client avoid?
A. Milk
B. Aged cheese
C. Grapefruit juice
D. Bananas
Answer: C. Grapefruit juice
Rationale: Grapefruit juice inhibits the metabolism of nifedipine (a calcium
channel blocker), leading to elevated medication levels and increased risk for
adverse effects.
, 7. A nurse is creating a plan of care for a client with anorexia nervosa. Which
intervention should be included?
A. Weigh the client once weekly at the same time of day
B. Stay with the client for 30 minutes after meals
C. Allow the client to schedule mealtimes
D. Assign privileges based on direct weight gain
Answer: D. Assign privileges based on direct weight gain
Rationale: This approach makes privileges dependent on treatment compliance
and weight gain, encouraging client involvement and providing motivation to
meet treatment goals.
8. A nurse is teaching a client about managing IBS. What should be included?
A. Increase intake of fresh fruit high in fructose
B. Limit foods that contain probiotics
C. Take peppermint oil during exacerbation of manifestations
D. Substitute white sugar with honey
Answer: C. Take peppermint oil during exacerbation of manifestations
Rationale: Peppermint oil relaxes the smooth muscle of the GI tract, which can
help decrease symptoms of IBS.
9. A client receiving radiation therapy reports a metallic taste. Which actions
should the nurse take? (Select all that apply)
A. Provide three large meals daily
B. Offer citrus fruits
C. Suggest pickles as a snack
D. Rinse silverware prior to eating
E. Gargle with mouthwash
Answer: B, C, E. Offer citrus fruits; Suggest pickles as a snack; Gargle with
mouthwash
Rationale: These actions stimulate saliva production, which helps diminish the
metallic taste often experienced during radiation therapy.
10. A nurse is planning dietary interventions for a client with laryngeal cancer
and stomatitis. Which intervention should be included?
A. Provide meals at room temperature
