BASIC NUTRITION AND DIET THERAPY CORE
TOPICS REVIEW 2026
◉ Essential nutrients. Answer: Nutrients the body cannot synthesize
in adequate amounts and must obtain from food (carbohydrates,
proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, water).
◉ Macronutrients. Answer: Nutrients required in large amounts that
provide energy (carbohydrates, protein, fat).
◉ Micronutrients. Answer: Nutrients required in small amounts that
regulate body processes (vitamins and minerals).
◉ Balanced diet. Answer: A diet that supplies adequate amounts of
energy and nutrients to maintain health and prevent disease.
◉ Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). Answer: Evidence-based
nutrition recommendations promoting health and disease
prevention.
◉ MyPlate. Answer: USDA visual guide emphasizing balanced intake
of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy.
, ◉ Malnutrition. Answer: A condition resulting from inadequate or
excessive intake of nutrients.
◉ Physical signs of malnutrition. Answer: Weight loss, muscle
wasting, poor wound healing, hair loss, edema, brittle nails.
◉ Nursing nutrition diagnosis. Answer: Clinical judgment
identifying nutrition-related problems (e.g., Imbalanced Nutrition:
Less Than Body Requirements).
◉ Nutrition therapy. Answer: Use of diet modification to treat
disease and improve health.
◉ Client education. Answer: Teaching strategies used by nurses to
promote dietary adherence and understanding.
◉ Carbohydrates. Answer: Primary energy source providing 4 kcal
per gram.
◉ Simple carbohydrates. Answer: Sugars composed of one or two
units (glucose, fructose, sucrose).
◉ Complex carbohydrates. Answer: Polysaccharides such as starch
and fiber.
TOPICS REVIEW 2026
◉ Essential nutrients. Answer: Nutrients the body cannot synthesize
in adequate amounts and must obtain from food (carbohydrates,
proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, water).
◉ Macronutrients. Answer: Nutrients required in large amounts that
provide energy (carbohydrates, protein, fat).
◉ Micronutrients. Answer: Nutrients required in small amounts that
regulate body processes (vitamins and minerals).
◉ Balanced diet. Answer: A diet that supplies adequate amounts of
energy and nutrients to maintain health and prevent disease.
◉ Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). Answer: Evidence-based
nutrition recommendations promoting health and disease
prevention.
◉ MyPlate. Answer: USDA visual guide emphasizing balanced intake
of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy.
, ◉ Malnutrition. Answer: A condition resulting from inadequate or
excessive intake of nutrients.
◉ Physical signs of malnutrition. Answer: Weight loss, muscle
wasting, poor wound healing, hair loss, edema, brittle nails.
◉ Nursing nutrition diagnosis. Answer: Clinical judgment
identifying nutrition-related problems (e.g., Imbalanced Nutrition:
Less Than Body Requirements).
◉ Nutrition therapy. Answer: Use of diet modification to treat
disease and improve health.
◉ Client education. Answer: Teaching strategies used by nurses to
promote dietary adherence and understanding.
◉ Carbohydrates. Answer: Primary energy source providing 4 kcal
per gram.
◉ Simple carbohydrates. Answer: Sugars composed of one or two
units (glucose, fructose, sucrose).
◉ Complex carbohydrates. Answer: Polysaccharides such as starch
and fiber.
