NUR 1172/NUR1172 Exam 3 V2 |
Nutritional Principles in Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is providing teaching to a client with a pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI) of 22.
What is the recommended total weight gain for this client during pregnancy?
A. 11 to 20 pounds
B. 15 to 25 pounds
C. 25 to 35 pounds
D. 28 to 40 pounds
Answer: C
Rationale: For a client with a normal pre-pregnancy BMI of 18.5 to 24.9, the recommended
weight gain is 25 to 35 pounds. This range supports optimal fetal development while
minimizing risks of maternal complications. It is essential for the nurse to monitor weight
gain trends throughout the second and third trimesters.
2. A mother asks why she should wait until her infant is 6 months old to introduce solid
foods. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. The infant’s kidneys are too immature to handle protein until 6 months.
B. Early introduction of solids is linked to the development of food allergies.
C. Introduction of solids early will cause the infant to sleep through the night.
,D. The extrusion reflex disappears around 4 to 6 months of age.
Answer: D
Rationale: The extrusion reflex, which causes infants to push food out of their mouths with
their tongue, typically disappears between 4 and 6 months. Introducing solids before this
time can be difficult and may lead to choking or poor intake. Furthermore, the infant’s
digestive system is better prepared for complex nutrients at this stage.
3. Which of the following foods should a nurse advise a parent to avoid giving to a 10-month-
old infant due to the risk of botulism?
A. Honey
B. Cow’s milk
C. Egg whites
D. Peanut butter
Answer: A
Rationale: Honey can contain Clostridium botulinum spores, which can lead to infant
botulism. Because an infant’s digestive tract is not yet acidic enough to destroy these
spores, it is unsafe for children under 12 months. This condition can lead to muscle
weakness and respiratory distress in infants.
4. An adolescent female client is diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia. Which food choice
should the nurse recommend to increase her iron intake?
A. Whole grain crackers
, B. Orange juice
C. Cottage cheese
D. Fortified breakfast cereal
Answer: D
Rationale: Fortified breakfast cereals are an excellent source of non-heme iron for
adolescents who may have higher requirements due to growth and menstruation. While
orange juice contains Vitamin C which helps iron absorption, it is not a primary source of
iron itself. Combining iron-rich foods with Vitamin C is the most effective strategy for
increasing levels.
5. A nurse is assessing an older adult client for signs of dehydration. Which physiological
change of aging increases this client’s risk?
A. Increased thirst sensation
B. Increased glomerular filtration rate
C. Decreased total body water
D. Decreased sweat gland activity
Answer: C
Rationale: As people age, their percentage of total body water decreases, making them
more susceptible to fluid imbalances. Additionally, the thirst mechanism often becomes
Nutritional Principles in Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is providing teaching to a client with a pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI) of 22.
What is the recommended total weight gain for this client during pregnancy?
A. 11 to 20 pounds
B. 15 to 25 pounds
C. 25 to 35 pounds
D. 28 to 40 pounds
Answer: C
Rationale: For a client with a normal pre-pregnancy BMI of 18.5 to 24.9, the recommended
weight gain is 25 to 35 pounds. This range supports optimal fetal development while
minimizing risks of maternal complications. It is essential for the nurse to monitor weight
gain trends throughout the second and third trimesters.
2. A mother asks why she should wait until her infant is 6 months old to introduce solid
foods. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. The infant’s kidneys are too immature to handle protein until 6 months.
B. Early introduction of solids is linked to the development of food allergies.
C. Introduction of solids early will cause the infant to sleep through the night.
,D. The extrusion reflex disappears around 4 to 6 months of age.
Answer: D
Rationale: The extrusion reflex, which causes infants to push food out of their mouths with
their tongue, typically disappears between 4 and 6 months. Introducing solids before this
time can be difficult and may lead to choking or poor intake. Furthermore, the infant’s
digestive system is better prepared for complex nutrients at this stage.
3. Which of the following foods should a nurse advise a parent to avoid giving to a 10-month-
old infant due to the risk of botulism?
A. Honey
B. Cow’s milk
C. Egg whites
D. Peanut butter
Answer: A
Rationale: Honey can contain Clostridium botulinum spores, which can lead to infant
botulism. Because an infant’s digestive tract is not yet acidic enough to destroy these
spores, it is unsafe for children under 12 months. This condition can lead to muscle
weakness and respiratory distress in infants.
4. An adolescent female client is diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia. Which food choice
should the nurse recommend to increase her iron intake?
A. Whole grain crackers
, B. Orange juice
C. Cottage cheese
D. Fortified breakfast cereal
Answer: D
Rationale: Fortified breakfast cereals are an excellent source of non-heme iron for
adolescents who may have higher requirements due to growth and menstruation. While
orange juice contains Vitamin C which helps iron absorption, it is not a primary source of
iron itself. Combining iron-rich foods with Vitamin C is the most effective strategy for
increasing levels.
5. A nurse is assessing an older adult client for signs of dehydration. Which physiological
change of aging increases this client’s risk?
A. Increased thirst sensation
B. Increased glomerular filtration rate
C. Decreased total body water
D. Decreased sweat gland activity
Answer: C
Rationale: As people age, their percentage of total body water decreases, making them
more susceptible to fluid imbalances. Additionally, the thirst mechanism often becomes
