Chapter 45 Nutrition Fundamentals of Nursing 11th Edition (Potter & Perry) 50 NCLEX-Style Exam Questions with Detailed Rationales

1. A nurse is educating a patient with hypertension about dietary changes. Which of the following should the nurse recommend? A. Increase sodium intake B. Follow a high-protein diet C. Adopt the DASH diet D. Eliminate all carbohydrates Correct Answer: C Rationale: The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy and is effective in lowering blood pressure. ________________________________________ 2. A patient with a stage 3 pressure injury requires increased intake of which nutrient for wound healing? A. Sodium B. Vitamin K C. Protein D. Calcium Correct Answer: C Rationale: Protein is essential for tissue repair and wound healing, especially in patients with pressure injuries. ________________________________________ 3. Which laboratory value best indicates a patient’s short-term nutritional status? A. Serum albumin B. Hemoglobin A1c C. Prealbumin D. Total cholesterol Correct Answer: C Rationale: Prealbumin has a short half-life (2–3 days), making it a more sensitive indicator of recent nutritional changes than albumin. ________________________________________ 4. A nurse is caring for a patient with dysphagia. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate? A. Encourage large bites B. Place the patient in a supine position C. Use thickened liquids as prescribed D. Offer water with each bite of food Correct Answer: C Rationale: Thickened liquids reduce the risk of aspiration in patients with dysphagia. Positioning and bite size are also important but not as specific. ________________________________________ 5. What is the primary goal of nutrition therapy in a patient with type 2 diabetes? A. Eliminate all carbohydrates B. Promote rapid weight loss C. Maintain blood glucose within target range D. Increase insulin secretion Correct Answer: C Rationale: Nutrition therapy for diabetes aims to stabilize blood glucose levels through balanced macronutrient intake and portion control. ________________________________________ 6. Which food source is highest in complete protein? A. Peanut butter B. Black beans C. Tofu D. Eggs Correct Answer: D Rationale: Eggs are a complete protein, meaning they contain all essential amino acids required by the body. ________________________________________ 7. A vegan patient is at risk for deficiency in which of the following nutrients? A. Vitamin A B. Vitamin B12 C. Vitamin C D. Vitamin D from plants Correct Answer: B Rationale: Vitamin B12 is found almost exclusively in animal products, making supplementation necessary for many vegans. ________________________________________ 8. A patient receiving enteral nutrition via nasogastric tube is experiencing nausea and abdominal distension. What should the nurse do first? A. Flush the tube with warm water B. Increase the feeding rate C. Check for gastric residual volume D. Elevate the head of the bed Correct Answer: C Rationale: High residuals can indicate delayed gastric emptying. Residual checks are necessary to assess tolerance of enteral feeds. ________________________________________ 9. Which of the following is an expected finding in a patient with iron-deficiency anemia? A. Jaundiced skin B. Elevated hematocrit C. Spoon-shaped nails D. Bradycardia Correct Answer: C Rationale: Koilonychia (spoon-shaped nails) is a clinical sign of chronic iron deficiency anemia