NUR 1172/NUR1172 Exam 4 V1 |
Nutritional Principles in Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the
following lab values is the most important to monitor daily?
A. Serum Potassium
B. Serum Calcium
C. Hemoglobin
D. Blood Glucose
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: TPN contains high concentrations of dextrose, which places the client
at a high risk for hyperglycemia. Frequent blood glucose monitoring is essential to ensure
the body is tolerating the glucose load. If levels are high, the infusion rate may need
adjustment or insulin may be required.
2. Which dietary recommendation should a nurse provide to a client experiencing dumping
syndrome after a gastrectomy?
A. Drink liquids with meals only
B. Eat three large meals a day
C. Increase intake of simple sugars
,D. Lie down for 30 minutes after eating
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Lying down after meals slows the transit of food from the stomach
into the small intestine. Clients should also consume small, frequent meals rather than
three large ones. Eliminating liquids with meals helps prevent rapid gastric emptying and
associated symptoms like dizziness or tachycardia.
3. A nurse is teaching a client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) about a low-potassium diet.
Which food should the client be instructed to avoid?
A. Apples
B. Corn
C. Orange juice
D. White rice
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Orange juice is very high in potassium and should be avoided in
patients with CKD to prevent hyperkalemia. Apples and corn are considered low-potassium
options and are safer for these clients. Maintaining safe potassium levels is critical to avoid
cardiac arrhythmias in renal patients.
4. To prevent aspiration in a client receiving continuous enteral tube feedings, the nurse
should maintain the head of the bed at what minimum angle?
A. 15 degrees
, B. 60 degrees
C. 30 degrees
D. 90 degrees
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The head of the bed should be elevated to at least 30 to 45 degrees
during and for at least 1 hour after feedings. This position uses gravity to keep the formula
in the stomach and reduces the risk of reflux. Aspiration pneumonia is a serious
complication that can be largely prevented with proper positioning.
5. A pregnant client is asking about the importance of folic acid. The nurse explains that it is
primarily used to prevent which condition?
A. Gestational diabetes
B. Preeclampsia
C. Fetal macrosomia
D. Neural tube defects
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Adequate folic acid intake before and during early pregnancy is
proven to significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida. Most
clinicians recommend a supplement of 400 to 600 mcg daily for women of childbearing age.
Dark green leafy vegetables and fortified cereals are also excellent dietary sources.
Nutritional Principles in Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the
following lab values is the most important to monitor daily?
A. Serum Potassium
B. Serum Calcium
C. Hemoglobin
D. Blood Glucose
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: TPN contains high concentrations of dextrose, which places the client
at a high risk for hyperglycemia. Frequent blood glucose monitoring is essential to ensure
the body is tolerating the glucose load. If levels are high, the infusion rate may need
adjustment or insulin may be required.
2. Which dietary recommendation should a nurse provide to a client experiencing dumping
syndrome after a gastrectomy?
A. Drink liquids with meals only
B. Eat three large meals a day
C. Increase intake of simple sugars
,D. Lie down for 30 minutes after eating
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Lying down after meals slows the transit of food from the stomach
into the small intestine. Clients should also consume small, frequent meals rather than
three large ones. Eliminating liquids with meals helps prevent rapid gastric emptying and
associated symptoms like dizziness or tachycardia.
3. A nurse is teaching a client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) about a low-potassium diet.
Which food should the client be instructed to avoid?
A. Apples
B. Corn
C. Orange juice
D. White rice
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Orange juice is very high in potassium and should be avoided in
patients with CKD to prevent hyperkalemia. Apples and corn are considered low-potassium
options and are safer for these clients. Maintaining safe potassium levels is critical to avoid
cardiac arrhythmias in renal patients.
4. To prevent aspiration in a client receiving continuous enteral tube feedings, the nurse
should maintain the head of the bed at what minimum angle?
A. 15 degrees
, B. 60 degrees
C. 30 degrees
D. 90 degrees
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The head of the bed should be elevated to at least 30 to 45 degrees
during and for at least 1 hour after feedings. This position uses gravity to keep the formula
in the stomach and reduces the risk of reflux. Aspiration pneumonia is a serious
complication that can be largely prevented with proper positioning.
5. A pregnant client is asking about the importance of folic acid. The nurse explains that it is
primarily used to prevent which condition?
A. Gestational diabetes
B. Preeclampsia
C. Fetal macrosomia
D. Neural tube defects
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Adequate folic acid intake before and during early pregnancy is
proven to significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida. Most
clinicians recommend a supplement of 400 to 600 mcg daily for women of childbearing age.
Dark green leafy vegetables and fortified cereals are also excellent dietary sources.
