DHN 101 EXAM 2 PRACTICE EXAM – QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED
AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | DOWNLOAD AND PASS |
LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027
Core Domains
Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism
Macronutrient and Micronutrient Function
Nutritional Assessment and Diagnostics
Medical Nutrition Therapy for Chronic Diseases
Lifecycle Nutrition and Gerontology
Public Health Nutrition and Epidemiology
Food Safety, Toxicology, and Regulatory Compliance
Professional Ethics and Standards of Practice in Dietetics
Introduction
This comprehensive practice examination is designed to prepare candidates for the
DHN 101 Exam 2 by assessing both foundational knowledge and applied clinical
skills. The examination covers critical domains including nutritional biochemistry,
medical nutrition therapy, and public health policy, with a strong emphasis on
evidence-based practice. Questions are formatted as multiple-choice and scenario-
based items that require critical thinking, clinical judgment, and the integration of
complex information. Each question is accompanied by a detailed rationale to
reinforce learning and support exam readiness. Candidates are encouraged to
approach each item as they would in a professional setting, applying knowledge to
real-world scenarios and decision-making processes. This assessment is a rigorous
tool for self-evaluation and mastery of the material.
,SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–50
1. A 45-year-old male with a BMI of 31.5 kg/m² is diagnosed with metabolic
syndrome. His fasting blood glucose is 115 mg/dL, HDL is 38 mg/dL, and
triglycerides are 190 mg/dL. Which of the following dietary modifications is
MOST appropriate as a first-line intervention to improve all components of his
metabolic profile?
A. Strict adherence to a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet with a focus on whole
grains
B. A Mediterranean-style eating pattern rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and
fiber
C. A high-protein, very-low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet to rapidly reduce weight
D. Daily consumption of 2-3 servings of processed soy products to lower LDL
cholesterol
🟢 Correct Answer: B. A Mediterranean-style eating pattern rich in
monounsaturated fatty acids and fiber
🔴 Explanation: The Mediterranean diet is well-supported by evidence for
improving multiple components of metabolic syndrome, including insulin
sensitivity, lipid profiles, and blood pressure. It emphasizes unsaturated fats, fiber,
and anti-inflammatory compounds. While other options may address individual
components, they are not as broadly effective or sustainable as a first-line
intervention.
2. In the context of nutritional genomics, which of the following BEST describes
the role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in disease risk?
A. SNPs are permanent alterations in chromosomal structure that guarantee the
development of a specific chronic disease
B. SNPs represent variations in a single nucleotide that may influence an
individual's metabolic response to nutrients and susceptibility to disease
,C. SNPs are epigenetic modifications that alter gene expression without changing
the underlying DNA sequence
D. SNPs are only relevant in the study of monogenic disorders and have no
impact on polygenic conditions such as obesity
🟢 Correct Answer: B. SNPs represent variations in a single nucleotide that may
influence an individual's metabolic response to nutrients and susceptibility to
disease
🔴 Explanation: Single nucleotide polymorphisms are the most common type of
genetic variation among people. They can affect how individuals metabolize
nutrients and their predisposition to various diseases, including complex
polygenic conditions. They do not guarantee disease development but rather
modify risk.
3. A patient with stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD) is advised to limit dietary
phosphorus. Which of the following food groups is the PRIMARY source of
absorbable phosphorus that should be restricted?
A. Fresh fruits and vegetables
B. Refined grains and simple sugars
C. Dairy products and animal protein sources
D. Plant-based protein sources like legumes and nuts
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Dairy products and animal protein sources
🔴 Explanation: Dairy products, meat, and poultry contain significant amounts of
phosphorus that is highly bioavailable (up to 70-80%). Plant-based sources
contain phytate-bound phosphorus, which is less absorbable. For CKD patients,
restricting animal-based foods is the most effective strategy to control serum
phosphorus levels.
, 4. Which of the following vitamins is a key component of the coenzyme
involved in the transamination reactions required for amino acid metabolism?
A. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
B. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
C. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
D. Vitamin E (tocopherol)
🟢 Correct Answer: A. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
🔴 Explanation: Pyridoxal phosphate (PLP), the active form of vitamin B6, serves
as a coenzyme for transaminases, which catalyze the transfer of amino groups
from amino acids to keto acids. This is a central reaction in amino acid
metabolism. Vitamin B12 is involved in folate metabolism and myelin synthesis,
Vitamin C is involved in collagen synthesis, and Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant.
5. A 68-year-old woman with osteoporosis is concerned about her diet. She has
a history of kidney stones. Which of the following vitamin and mineral
recommendations would be MOST appropriate for her?
A. High-dose supplemental calcium and high-dose vitamin D to maximize bone
density
B. Increased intake of dietary calcium paired with adequate vitamin K and
magnesium, while avoiding excessive calcium supplementation
C. Elimination of all high-oxalate foods and use of thiazide diuretics in place of
dietary calcium
D. A strict low-calcium diet to prevent further renal stone formation, monitored
by a physician
🟢 Correct Answer: B. Increased intake of dietary calcium paired with adequate
vitamin K and magnesium, while avoiding excessive calcium supplementation
AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | DOWNLOAD AND PASS |
LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027
Core Domains
Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism
Macronutrient and Micronutrient Function
Nutritional Assessment and Diagnostics
Medical Nutrition Therapy for Chronic Diseases
Lifecycle Nutrition and Gerontology
Public Health Nutrition and Epidemiology
Food Safety, Toxicology, and Regulatory Compliance
Professional Ethics and Standards of Practice in Dietetics
Introduction
This comprehensive practice examination is designed to prepare candidates for the
DHN 101 Exam 2 by assessing both foundational knowledge and applied clinical
skills. The examination covers critical domains including nutritional biochemistry,
medical nutrition therapy, and public health policy, with a strong emphasis on
evidence-based practice. Questions are formatted as multiple-choice and scenario-
based items that require critical thinking, clinical judgment, and the integration of
complex information. Each question is accompanied by a detailed rationale to
reinforce learning and support exam readiness. Candidates are encouraged to
approach each item as they would in a professional setting, applying knowledge to
real-world scenarios and decision-making processes. This assessment is a rigorous
tool for self-evaluation and mastery of the material.
,SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–50
1. A 45-year-old male with a BMI of 31.5 kg/m² is diagnosed with metabolic
syndrome. His fasting blood glucose is 115 mg/dL, HDL is 38 mg/dL, and
triglycerides are 190 mg/dL. Which of the following dietary modifications is
MOST appropriate as a first-line intervention to improve all components of his
metabolic profile?
A. Strict adherence to a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet with a focus on whole
grains
B. A Mediterranean-style eating pattern rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and
fiber
C. A high-protein, very-low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet to rapidly reduce weight
D. Daily consumption of 2-3 servings of processed soy products to lower LDL
cholesterol
🟢 Correct Answer: B. A Mediterranean-style eating pattern rich in
monounsaturated fatty acids and fiber
🔴 Explanation: The Mediterranean diet is well-supported by evidence for
improving multiple components of metabolic syndrome, including insulin
sensitivity, lipid profiles, and blood pressure. It emphasizes unsaturated fats, fiber,
and anti-inflammatory compounds. While other options may address individual
components, they are not as broadly effective or sustainable as a first-line
intervention.
2. In the context of nutritional genomics, which of the following BEST describes
the role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in disease risk?
A. SNPs are permanent alterations in chromosomal structure that guarantee the
development of a specific chronic disease
B. SNPs represent variations in a single nucleotide that may influence an
individual's metabolic response to nutrients and susceptibility to disease
,C. SNPs are epigenetic modifications that alter gene expression without changing
the underlying DNA sequence
D. SNPs are only relevant in the study of monogenic disorders and have no
impact on polygenic conditions such as obesity
🟢 Correct Answer: B. SNPs represent variations in a single nucleotide that may
influence an individual's metabolic response to nutrients and susceptibility to
disease
🔴 Explanation: Single nucleotide polymorphisms are the most common type of
genetic variation among people. They can affect how individuals metabolize
nutrients and their predisposition to various diseases, including complex
polygenic conditions. They do not guarantee disease development but rather
modify risk.
3. A patient with stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD) is advised to limit dietary
phosphorus. Which of the following food groups is the PRIMARY source of
absorbable phosphorus that should be restricted?
A. Fresh fruits and vegetables
B. Refined grains and simple sugars
C. Dairy products and animal protein sources
D. Plant-based protein sources like legumes and nuts
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Dairy products and animal protein sources
🔴 Explanation: Dairy products, meat, and poultry contain significant amounts of
phosphorus that is highly bioavailable (up to 70-80%). Plant-based sources
contain phytate-bound phosphorus, which is less absorbable. For CKD patients,
restricting animal-based foods is the most effective strategy to control serum
phosphorus levels.
, 4. Which of the following vitamins is a key component of the coenzyme
involved in the transamination reactions required for amino acid metabolism?
A. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
B. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
C. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
D. Vitamin E (tocopherol)
🟢 Correct Answer: A. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
🔴 Explanation: Pyridoxal phosphate (PLP), the active form of vitamin B6, serves
as a coenzyme for transaminases, which catalyze the transfer of amino groups
from amino acids to keto acids. This is a central reaction in amino acid
metabolism. Vitamin B12 is involved in folate metabolism and myelin synthesis,
Vitamin C is involved in collagen synthesis, and Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant.
5. A 68-year-old woman with osteoporosis is concerned about her diet. She has
a history of kidney stones. Which of the following vitamin and mineral
recommendations would be MOST appropriate for her?
A. High-dose supplemental calcium and high-dose vitamin D to maximize bone
density
B. Increased intake of dietary calcium paired with adequate vitamin K and
magnesium, while avoiding excessive calcium supplementation
C. Elimination of all high-oxalate foods and use of thiazide diuretics in place of
dietary calcium
D. A strict low-calcium diet to prevent further renal stone formation, monitored
by a physician
🟢 Correct Answer: B. Increased intake of dietary calcium paired with adequate
vitamin K and magnesium, while avoiding excessive calcium supplementation
