Eliopoulos Chapter 11- Nutrition and
Hydration Exam Actual Questions and
Answers 2026
1. Even though a nursing assistant notices that an older patient's
oral intake has been poor since being admitted to the care area, the
assistant is not concerned since "older people don't need to eat
much anyway." How should the nurse respond to this assistant's
comment?
A) "That's a myth actually; older adults have increased caloric and
nutritional needs."
B) "Actually, older adults who are sick require more calories than
younger people do during their recovery."
C) "You're right, but it's still important that we provide vitamin
supplements especially when a patient is recovering from an
illness."
D) "Even though it is true that older people don't need quite as
many calories as younger people, they need as many nutrients as
you or I." -
correct answer ✅Ans: D
Feedback: While caloric need does decrease with age, nutrient
requirements are relatively consistent across the life span. Older
adults do not have increased caloric and nutritional needs. Older
adults who are sick do not necessarily require more calories since
the basal metabolic rate declines 2% for each decade of life.
,Eliopoulos Chapter 11- Nutrition and
Hydration Exam Actual Questions and
Answers 2026
Vitamin and mineral supplements for older adults are
undetermined.
2. A health-conscious resident of an assisted living facility is
promoting the value of fiber to a fellow resident. Which statement
made by the resident about the benefits of fiber is accurate?
A) Improved bowel activity and increased metabolic rate
B) Improved bowel activity and decreased serum cholesterol
C) Improved gastric emptying and prevention of colon cancer
D) Increased nutrient absorption and decreased glucose tolerance -
correct answer ✅Ans: B
Feedback: Fiber is noted to lower serum cholesterol and promote
good bowel activity. It is not noted to improve nutrient absorption
or gastric emptying or to increase overall metabolic rate.
3. During a home visit, the nurse is asked by an older couple if
vitamin and nutritional supplements can compensate for poor food
intake. What should the nurse respond to this question?
, Eliopoulos Chapter 11- Nutrition and
Hydration Exam Actual Questions and
Answers 2026
A) "Supplements can be useful but avoid those that contain
calcium."
B) "The risks of excess dosages mean that supplements are best
avoided entirely."
C) "Supplements should be thought of as supplements, not
replacements, so it's best not use them."
D) "Vitamin and nutrient supplements can be a useful short-term
nutritional measure, but only if they don't interact with prescribed
medications." -
correct answer ✅Ans: D
Feedback: There is a valid role for supplements in meeting the
nutritional needs of older adults, but the risk of medication
interactions must be taken into account. It would be unnecessary to
recommend complete avoidance of all supplements or of those
that contain calcium.
4. An older woman asks what she can do to reduce the risk of
developing osteoporosis. What should the nurse respond to this
patient?
A) "The key to preventing osteoporosis is to remain physically active
on a regular basis."
Hydration Exam Actual Questions and
Answers 2026
1. Even though a nursing assistant notices that an older patient's
oral intake has been poor since being admitted to the care area, the
assistant is not concerned since "older people don't need to eat
much anyway." How should the nurse respond to this assistant's
comment?
A) "That's a myth actually; older adults have increased caloric and
nutritional needs."
B) "Actually, older adults who are sick require more calories than
younger people do during their recovery."
C) "You're right, but it's still important that we provide vitamin
supplements especially when a patient is recovering from an
illness."
D) "Even though it is true that older people don't need quite as
many calories as younger people, they need as many nutrients as
you or I." -
correct answer ✅Ans: D
Feedback: While caloric need does decrease with age, nutrient
requirements are relatively consistent across the life span. Older
adults do not have increased caloric and nutritional needs. Older
adults who are sick do not necessarily require more calories since
the basal metabolic rate declines 2% for each decade of life.
,Eliopoulos Chapter 11- Nutrition and
Hydration Exam Actual Questions and
Answers 2026
Vitamin and mineral supplements for older adults are
undetermined.
2. A health-conscious resident of an assisted living facility is
promoting the value of fiber to a fellow resident. Which statement
made by the resident about the benefits of fiber is accurate?
A) Improved bowel activity and increased metabolic rate
B) Improved bowel activity and decreased serum cholesterol
C) Improved gastric emptying and prevention of colon cancer
D) Increased nutrient absorption and decreased glucose tolerance -
correct answer ✅Ans: B
Feedback: Fiber is noted to lower serum cholesterol and promote
good bowel activity. It is not noted to improve nutrient absorption
or gastric emptying or to increase overall metabolic rate.
3. During a home visit, the nurse is asked by an older couple if
vitamin and nutritional supplements can compensate for poor food
intake. What should the nurse respond to this question?
, Eliopoulos Chapter 11- Nutrition and
Hydration Exam Actual Questions and
Answers 2026
A) "Supplements can be useful but avoid those that contain
calcium."
B) "The risks of excess dosages mean that supplements are best
avoided entirely."
C) "Supplements should be thought of as supplements, not
replacements, so it's best not use them."
D) "Vitamin and nutrient supplements can be a useful short-term
nutritional measure, but only if they don't interact with prescribed
medications." -
correct answer ✅Ans: D
Feedback: There is a valid role for supplements in meeting the
nutritional needs of older adults, but the risk of medication
interactions must be taken into account. It would be unnecessary to
recommend complete avoidance of all supplements or of those
that contain calcium.
4. An older woman asks what she can do to reduce the risk of
developing osteoporosis. What should the nurse respond to this
patient?
A) "The key to preventing osteoporosis is to remain physically active
on a regular basis."