RN Nutrition 2026: Comprehensive Study and Practice Examination –Questions with Answers, Rationales, and Evidence-Based Clinical Insights for the Next-Generation NCLEX-RN®

RN Nutrition 2026: Comprehensive
Study and Practice Examination –
Questions with Answers, Rationales,
and Evidence-Based Clinical Insights
for the Next-Generation NCLEX-RN®

Question 1
A nurse is teaching a client about the difference between complete and incomplete
proteins. Which of the following selections represents a complete protein?

 A) Lentils
 B) Peanut butter on whole wheat bread
 C) Tofu stir-fry with rice
 D) Grilled chicken breast

Rationale: Complete proteins contain all nine essential amino acids and are primarily
found in animal sources (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy) and soy. Chicken is a complete
protein; lentils and rice are incomplete proteins that must be combined to provide all
essential amino acids .

Question 2
Which macronutrient provides the most energy per gram?

 A) Carbohydrates - 4 kcal/g
 B) Protein - 4 kcal/g
 C) Fats - 9 kcal/g

,  D) Alcohol - 7 kcal/g

Rationale: Fats provide 9 kcal/g, the highest among macronutrients. Carbohydrates and
protein provide 4 kcal/g each, and alcohol provides 7 kcal/g but is not considered a
nutrient .

Question 3
A client asks the nurse which type of fat is considered most "heart healthy." The nurse
should recommend foods high in:

 A) Saturated fats
 B) Trans fats
 C) Monounsaturated fats
 D) Hydrogenated oils

Rationale: Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (found in olive oil, avocados,
nuts) lower LDL cholesterol. Saturated and trans fats (butter, fried foods) increase
cardiovascular risk .

Question 4
The Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) for carbohydrates for most
adults is:

 A) 45-65% of total daily calories
 B) 10-35% of total daily calories
 C) 20-35% of total daily calories
 D) Less than 10% of total daily calories

Rationale: The AMDR for carbohydrates is 45-65% of total daily calories. The AMDR for
protein is 10-35%, and for fats is 20-35% .

Question 5
Which of the following is a complex carbohydrate?

,  A) Glucose
 B) Fructose
 C) Starch
 D) Sucrose

Rationale: Starch is a complex carbohydrate (polysaccharide). Glucose, fructose, and
sucrose are simple carbohydrates (monosaccharides or disaccharides) .

Question 6
The recommended daily protein intake for a healthy adult is:

 A) 0.8 g/kg of body weight
 B) 1.2 g/kg of body weight
 C) 1.5 g/kg of body weight
 D) 2.0 g/kg of body weight

Rationale: The RDA for protein is 0.8 g/kg of body weight for healthy adults. Higher
amounts may be needed for wound healing, pregnancy, lactation, or athletes .

Question 7
The Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) for fats is:

 A) 20-30% of total calories
 B) 20-35% of total calories
 C) 35-45% of total calories
 D) 45-65% of total calories

Rationale: The AMDR for fats is 20-35% of total calories. Saturated fat should be limited
to less than 10% of total daily calories .

Question 8
Which of the following is an example of a complete protein?

 A) Beans

,  B) Rice
 C) Eggs
 D) Nuts

Rationale: Complete proteins contain all essential amino acids and are found in animal
sources (meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy) and soy. Beans, rice, and nuts are incomplete
proteins .

Question 9
Which vitamin is essential for calcium absorption?

 A) Vitamin A
 B) Vitamin C
 C) Vitamin D
 D) Vitamin E

Rationale: Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. Without
adequate vitamin D, calcium cannot be properly absorbed from the gastrointestinal
tract .

Question 10
A nurse is educating a client on the DASH diet. Which nutrient is the client encouraged
to significantly reduce?

 A) Sodium
 B) Calcium
 C) Potassium
 D) Magnesium

Rationale: The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet emphasizes fruits,
vegetables, low-fat dairy, and reduced sodium intake to lower blood pressure .

Question 11
Which of the following correctly defines the total fiber adequate intake?