NUR 1172/NUR1172 Exam 3 V1 |
Nutritional Principles in Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is caring for a patient receiving Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN). Which laboratory
value is the most critical to monitor daily to prevent complications?
A. Serum potassium
B. Blood glucose
C. Serum albumin
D. Hemoglobin
Answer: B
Rationale: Serum blood glucose is the most critical value to monitor because TPN
solutions contain high concentrations of dextrose. Rapid infusion or changes in metabolic
rate can lead to severe hyperglycemia or rebound hypoglycemia. Monitoring glucose levels
ensures that the insulin coverage is appropriate and prevents hyperosmolar coma.
2. When teaching a patient with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) about nutrition, which of the
following mineral restrictions is most important to discuss?
A. Calcium
B. Sodium
C. Iron
,D. Phosphorus
Answer: D
Rationale: Phosphorus restriction is vital in CKD because the kidneys can no longer
effectively excrete it, leading to hyperphosphatemia. High phosphorus levels pull calcium
from the bones, causing weakness and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Patients are often
taught to avoid dairy and processed meats to manage this condition.
3. A patient experiencing Dumping Syndrome after a gastric bypass surgery should be advised
to:
A. Lie down for 30 minutes after eating.
B. Eat high-carbohydrate snacks between meals.
C. Drink 240mL of water with each meal.
D. Consume large meals three times a day.
Answer: A
Rationale: Lying down after meals helps slow the movement of food into the small
intestine, which reduces the rapid osmotic shift characteristic of Dumping Syndrome.
Avoiding liquids with meals is also recommended to prevent flushing food too quickly. This
position helps mitigate symptoms like dizziness, sweating, and palpitations.
4. Which of the following is a characteristic sign of Refeeding Syndrome in a severely
malnourished patient starting enteral nutrition?
A. Increased serum albumin and prealbumin
, B. Hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, and hypermagnesemia
C. Hyperglycemia and increased sodium
D. Hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia, and hypomagnesemia
Answer: D
Rationale: Refeeding syndrome occurs when the body shifts from a catabolic to an
anabolic state, causing minerals to move from the blood into the cells. This results in
dangerous drops in potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium levels. Monitoring these
electrolytes is essential during the first few days of nutritional rehabilitation to prevent
cardiac arrest.
5. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes is learning about carbohydrate counting. How many grams
of carbohydrates are typically considered one ‘carb choice’?
A. 15 grams
B. 10 grams
C. 5 grams
D. 25 grams
Answer: A
Rationale: One carbohydrate choice or exchange is standardized at 15 grams of
carbohydrates. This helps patients manage their insulin-to-carb ratios more effectively by
Nutritional Principles in Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is caring for a patient receiving Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN). Which laboratory
value is the most critical to monitor daily to prevent complications?
A. Serum potassium
B. Blood glucose
C. Serum albumin
D. Hemoglobin
Answer: B
Rationale: Serum blood glucose is the most critical value to monitor because TPN
solutions contain high concentrations of dextrose. Rapid infusion or changes in metabolic
rate can lead to severe hyperglycemia or rebound hypoglycemia. Monitoring glucose levels
ensures that the insulin coverage is appropriate and prevents hyperosmolar coma.
2. When teaching a patient with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) about nutrition, which of the
following mineral restrictions is most important to discuss?
A. Calcium
B. Sodium
C. Iron
,D. Phosphorus
Answer: D
Rationale: Phosphorus restriction is vital in CKD because the kidneys can no longer
effectively excrete it, leading to hyperphosphatemia. High phosphorus levels pull calcium
from the bones, causing weakness and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Patients are often
taught to avoid dairy and processed meats to manage this condition.
3. A patient experiencing Dumping Syndrome after a gastric bypass surgery should be advised
to:
A. Lie down for 30 minutes after eating.
B. Eat high-carbohydrate snacks between meals.
C. Drink 240mL of water with each meal.
D. Consume large meals three times a day.
Answer: A
Rationale: Lying down after meals helps slow the movement of food into the small
intestine, which reduces the rapid osmotic shift characteristic of Dumping Syndrome.
Avoiding liquids with meals is also recommended to prevent flushing food too quickly. This
position helps mitigate symptoms like dizziness, sweating, and palpitations.
4. Which of the following is a characteristic sign of Refeeding Syndrome in a severely
malnourished patient starting enteral nutrition?
A. Increased serum albumin and prealbumin
, B. Hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, and hypermagnesemia
C. Hyperglycemia and increased sodium
D. Hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia, and hypomagnesemia
Answer: D
Rationale: Refeeding syndrome occurs when the body shifts from a catabolic to an
anabolic state, causing minerals to move from the blood into the cells. This results in
dangerous drops in potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium levels. Monitoring these
electrolytes is essential during the first few days of nutritional rehabilitation to prevent
cardiac arrest.
5. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes is learning about carbohydrate counting. How many grams
of carbohydrates are typically considered one ‘carb choice’?
A. 15 grams
B. 10 grams
C. 5 grams
D. 25 grams
Answer: A
Rationale: One carbohydrate choice or exchange is standardized at 15 grams of
carbohydrates. This helps patients manage their insulin-to-carb ratios more effectively by
