Chapter 30- Nutrition
Question 1 of 26
The nurse is providing education to a patient about the difference between simple and complex carbohydrates. Which statement by the patient
indicates a need for further education?
“Simple carbohydrates come from milk products.”
“Complex carbohydrates come from fruit.”*
“Complex carbohydrates take longer to break down.”
“Simple carbohydrates give me quick energy.”
Simple carbohydrates are broken down and absorbed quickly, providing a quick source of energy. Examples are sugars such as those derived from fruit
(fructose), table sugar (sucrose), milk products (lactose), and blood sugar (glucose). Complex carbohydrates are composed of starches, glycogen, and
fiber. They take longer to break down prior to absorption and utilization by the body’s cells.
Question 2 of 26
The nurse teaches the family member to provide the patient with how much dietary fiber per day?
20 to 35 g*
25 to 40 g
25 to 35 g
20 to 40 g
Older children, adolescents, and adults should consume 20 to 35 g of fiber a day. Food sources include whole grains, wheat bran, cereals, fresh fruits,
vegetables, and legumes.
Question 3 of 26
The nurse is providing education to an older adult around a healthy diet to support the challenges related to aging. Which statement indicates a
need for further education?
“I can add spices to enhance the taste of food.”
“High-fiber foods minimize the risk of constipation.
“I should eat more calories to avoid malnutrition.”*
“I should choose foods that are nutrient dense.”
Calorie needs change with aging because of more body fat and less lean muscle. Less activity further decreases calorie requirements. Eating whole-
grain foods and a variety of fruits and vegetables and drinking water may minimize the risk of constipation. The challenge for older adults is to choose
foods that are nutrient dense; these foods are high in nutrients in relation to their calories. Older adults may experience a decreased sense of smell or
taste, so the addition of spices and herbs may enhance the taste of foods.
Question 4 of 26
When caring for an adolescent patient with anorexia nervosa, the nurse knows what would be the best treatment option for this patient?
Individually determined by a collaborative team*
Compulsory tube feedings
Hospitalization with skill nursing care
Outpatient treatment
Ultimately, the decision on how best to ethically treat an adolescent suffering from an eating disorder needs to be one of collaboration among the
child’s physician, nurse, counselor, spiritual adviser, parents, and other concerned adults. Highly skilled nursing care with hospitalization is preferred
prior to a drop in BMI levels below 13 kg/m2. Compulsory tube feedings are not always the best option. Although most adolescents with eating
disorders can be treated on an outpatient basis, those who exhibit severe depression, extreme physical complications resulting from electrolyte
imbalances, or suicidal tendencies may require extensive inpatient treatment.
Question 5 of 26
A new UAP is measuring a patient’s height. Which step of the procedure indicates a need for the registered nurse to provide further education on
this skill?
The UAP instructs the patient to remove shoes.
The UAP positions the head against the headboard or measuring device.
The UAP makes sure the patient is standing erect.
The UAP measures from the top of the patient’s head to the bottom of the patient’s foot arch.*
Height is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the heel. The patient is instructed to remove shoes, stand erect, and position the top of the
patient’s head against the headboard or measuring device for accuracy.
Question 6 of 26
, The nurse is performing an oral examination on a patient and notices a beefy-red tongue. The nurse identifies this as a characteristic finding for
what condition?
Malnutrition
Anorexia nervosa
Bulimia
Pernicious anemia*
In conditions such as pernicious anemia, a characteristic finding is a sore, smooth-surfaced, beefy-red tongue, which may interfere with the person’s
ability to chew certain foods. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are eating disorders. In malnutrition the oral mucosa may be a darker red than normal with
oral lesions and/or the tongue may reveal white irregular areas.
Question 7 of 26
The nurse has delegated the feeding of a patient who has recently had a stroke to the UAP. Which procedure that the UAP performs would
demonstrate a need for further education?
Encourages slow eating
Uses thickened liquids
Puts the bed at 25 degrees*
Has the patient alternate between food and sips of fluid
During feeding, the head of the bed needs to be elevated at 30 to 45 degrees or higher. Liquids are thickened, and patients are encouraged to use slow-
eating habits and to alternate between bites of food and sips of fluids to facilitate swallowing.
Question 8 of 26
The nurse recognizes which outcome statement to be appropriate for the nursing diagnosis impaired swallowing?
Patient will consume 50% of each meal.
Patient will demonstrate using an assistive device to feed self.
Patient will not show any signs of aspiration during meals.*
Patient will gain 2 lb a week.
An appropriate goal statement for impaired swallowing is that the patient will not exhibit any signs or symptoms of aspiration during this
hospitalization (e.g., lungs clear, respiratory rate within normal range for patient). Consuming 50% of meals and gaining weight are appropriate goals
for impaired nutritional intake. Using assistive devices is an appropriate goal for impaired self-feeding.
Question 9 of 26
The nurse is explaining to the UAP that the patient is on a full-liquid diet. Which statement by the UAP indicates a need for reorientation?
“I can give the patient yogurt.”
“I can give the patient oatmeal.”*
“I can give the patient orange juice.”
“I can give the patient milk.”
Full-liquid diets consist of foods that are or may become liquid at room or body temperature. Full-liquid diets include juices with and without pulp,
milk and milk products, yogurt, strained cream soups, and liquid dietary supplements. Oatmeal is not considered part of a full-liquid diet.
Question 10 of 26
The nurse is educating a patient about a renal diet. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further education?
“I need to eat a low-sodium diet.”
“I can have limited amounts of meat.”
“I should avoid or limit bananas.”
“I can drink unlimited cola if it is diet.”*
Renal diets restrict potassium, sodium, protein, and phosphorous intake. Fresh fruits (except bananas) and vegetables are excellent dietary choices for
individuals on a renal diet. Meats, processed foods, peanut butter, cheese, nuts, caramels, ice cream, and colas are typically allowed in limited
quantities or contraindicated.
Question 11 of 26
The nurse knows that initial verification of a nasogastric placement is important. Which method is considered the only reliable method to determine
enteral tube placement?
Auscultation of air bolus
Radiographic image*
Aspirate contents to visually inspect appearance
Measurement of pH of the aspirate
Question 1 of 26
The nurse is providing education to a patient about the difference between simple and complex carbohydrates. Which statement by the patient
indicates a need for further education?
“Simple carbohydrates come from milk products.”
“Complex carbohydrates come from fruit.”*
“Complex carbohydrates take longer to break down.”
“Simple carbohydrates give me quick energy.”
Simple carbohydrates are broken down and absorbed quickly, providing a quick source of energy. Examples are sugars such as those derived from fruit
(fructose), table sugar (sucrose), milk products (lactose), and blood sugar (glucose). Complex carbohydrates are composed of starches, glycogen, and
fiber. They take longer to break down prior to absorption and utilization by the body’s cells.
Question 2 of 26
The nurse teaches the family member to provide the patient with how much dietary fiber per day?
20 to 35 g*
25 to 40 g
25 to 35 g
20 to 40 g
Older children, adolescents, and adults should consume 20 to 35 g of fiber a day. Food sources include whole grains, wheat bran, cereals, fresh fruits,
vegetables, and legumes.
Question 3 of 26
The nurse is providing education to an older adult around a healthy diet to support the challenges related to aging. Which statement indicates a
need for further education?
“I can add spices to enhance the taste of food.”
“High-fiber foods minimize the risk of constipation.
“I should eat more calories to avoid malnutrition.”*
“I should choose foods that are nutrient dense.”
Calorie needs change with aging because of more body fat and less lean muscle. Less activity further decreases calorie requirements. Eating whole-
grain foods and a variety of fruits and vegetables and drinking water may minimize the risk of constipation. The challenge for older adults is to choose
foods that are nutrient dense; these foods are high in nutrients in relation to their calories. Older adults may experience a decreased sense of smell or
taste, so the addition of spices and herbs may enhance the taste of foods.
Question 4 of 26
When caring for an adolescent patient with anorexia nervosa, the nurse knows what would be the best treatment option for this patient?
Individually determined by a collaborative team*
Compulsory tube feedings
Hospitalization with skill nursing care
Outpatient treatment
Ultimately, the decision on how best to ethically treat an adolescent suffering from an eating disorder needs to be one of collaboration among the
child’s physician, nurse, counselor, spiritual adviser, parents, and other concerned adults. Highly skilled nursing care with hospitalization is preferred
prior to a drop in BMI levels below 13 kg/m2. Compulsory tube feedings are not always the best option. Although most adolescents with eating
disorders can be treated on an outpatient basis, those who exhibit severe depression, extreme physical complications resulting from electrolyte
imbalances, or suicidal tendencies may require extensive inpatient treatment.
Question 5 of 26
A new UAP is measuring a patient’s height. Which step of the procedure indicates a need for the registered nurse to provide further education on
this skill?
The UAP instructs the patient to remove shoes.
The UAP positions the head against the headboard or measuring device.
The UAP makes sure the patient is standing erect.
The UAP measures from the top of the patient’s head to the bottom of the patient’s foot arch.*
Height is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the heel. The patient is instructed to remove shoes, stand erect, and position the top of the
patient’s head against the headboard or measuring device for accuracy.
Question 6 of 26
, The nurse is performing an oral examination on a patient and notices a beefy-red tongue. The nurse identifies this as a characteristic finding for
what condition?
Malnutrition
Anorexia nervosa
Bulimia
Pernicious anemia*
In conditions such as pernicious anemia, a characteristic finding is a sore, smooth-surfaced, beefy-red tongue, which may interfere with the person’s
ability to chew certain foods. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are eating disorders. In malnutrition the oral mucosa may be a darker red than normal with
oral lesions and/or the tongue may reveal white irregular areas.
Question 7 of 26
The nurse has delegated the feeding of a patient who has recently had a stroke to the UAP. Which procedure that the UAP performs would
demonstrate a need for further education?
Encourages slow eating
Uses thickened liquids
Puts the bed at 25 degrees*
Has the patient alternate between food and sips of fluid
During feeding, the head of the bed needs to be elevated at 30 to 45 degrees or higher. Liquids are thickened, and patients are encouraged to use slow-
eating habits and to alternate between bites of food and sips of fluids to facilitate swallowing.
Question 8 of 26
The nurse recognizes which outcome statement to be appropriate for the nursing diagnosis impaired swallowing?
Patient will consume 50% of each meal.
Patient will demonstrate using an assistive device to feed self.
Patient will not show any signs of aspiration during meals.*
Patient will gain 2 lb a week.
An appropriate goal statement for impaired swallowing is that the patient will not exhibit any signs or symptoms of aspiration during this
hospitalization (e.g., lungs clear, respiratory rate within normal range for patient). Consuming 50% of meals and gaining weight are appropriate goals
for impaired nutritional intake. Using assistive devices is an appropriate goal for impaired self-feeding.
Question 9 of 26
The nurse is explaining to the UAP that the patient is on a full-liquid diet. Which statement by the UAP indicates a need for reorientation?
“I can give the patient yogurt.”
“I can give the patient oatmeal.”*
“I can give the patient orange juice.”
“I can give the patient milk.”
Full-liquid diets consist of foods that are or may become liquid at room or body temperature. Full-liquid diets include juices with and without pulp,
milk and milk products, yogurt, strained cream soups, and liquid dietary supplements. Oatmeal is not considered part of a full-liquid diet.
Question 10 of 26
The nurse is educating a patient about a renal diet. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further education?
“I need to eat a low-sodium diet.”
“I can have limited amounts of meat.”
“I should avoid or limit bananas.”
“I can drink unlimited cola if it is diet.”*
Renal diets restrict potassium, sodium, protein, and phosphorous intake. Fresh fruits (except bananas) and vegetables are excellent dietary choices for
individuals on a renal diet. Meats, processed foods, peanut butter, cheese, nuts, caramels, ice cream, and colas are typically allowed in limited
quantities or contraindicated.
Question 11 of 26
The nurse knows that initial verification of a nasogastric placement is important. Which method is considered the only reliable method to determine
enteral tube placement?
Auscultation of air bolus
Radiographic image*
Aspirate contents to visually inspect appearance
Measurement of pH of the aspirate
