DHN 101 Exam 3 Human Nutrition and
Wellness Official Practice Exam Actual
Exam 2026/2027 with Detailed Rationales |
Complete Exam-Style Questions | Pass
Guaranteed – A+ Graded
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SECTION 1: NUTRITION ASSESSMENT & DIETARY PLANNING Q1 – Q10
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Question 1 of 50
A 34-year-old female office worker visits the campus wellness center for a nutrition
assessment. She is 5'4" (162.6 cm) tall and weighs 148 lbs (67.1 kg). Her waist circumference
measures 33 inches, and her blood pressure is 128/82 mmHg. She reports skipping breakfast
most days and consuming takeout for lunch and dinner. Which BMI classification and
associated health risk profile best describes this client?
A. Underweight; low risk for chronic disease
B. Normal weight; minimal health concerns ✓ CORRECT
C. Overweight; elevated risk for metabolic syndrome
D. Obese Class I; high risk for cardiovascular disease
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: BMI is calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared (67.1
÷ 1.626² = 25.4), which falls within the normal weight range of 18.5–24.9 when using precise
calculation, though borderline; however, with a waist circumference of 33 inches (below the
35-inch threshold for women) and blood pressure in the elevated but not hypertensive range,
this client presents with a normal weight profile and minimal immediate health concerns
despite poor dietary habits. Choice C is tempting because 148 lbs may seem heavy for her
height, but BMI must be calculated precisely rather than estimated, and waist circumference
remains the critical differentiator for metabolic risk. In clinical practice, this client needs
dietary counseling to prevent future weight gain rather than weight loss intervention.
Question 2 of 50
,A registered dietitian is conducting a 24-hour dietary recall with a 28-year-old male graduate
student. The client reports consuming: breakfast—two scrambled eggs, two slices of white
toast with butter, and orange juice; lunch—turkey sandwich on whole wheat with mayonnaise,
apple, and sports drink; dinner—grilled chicken breast (6 oz), baked potato with sour cream,
green beans, and two beers; evening snack—ice cream (1 cup). Using the USDA MyPlate
guidelines as the standard, which meal most significantly deviates from recommended
proportions?
A. Breakfast, due to insufficient whole grain and excessive saturated fat
B. Lunch, because processed meats and added sugars exceed guidelines
C. Dinner, owing to oversized protein portion and alcohol consumption ✓ CORRECT
D. Evening snack, since dairy servings should be limited to daytime hours
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The USDA MyPlate recommends that protein foods comprise approximately
20–25% of the plate, equating to roughly 5–6.5 ounces per day for an adult male; a 6-ounce
chicken breast at dinner alone exceeds the daily recommendation, and alcohol provides
empty calories with no nutritional value while displacing nutrient-dense beverage choices.
Choice A is incorrect because while breakfast could be improved with whole grains, eggs
provide high-quality protein and the meal structure aligns reasonably with MyPlate
proportions. This scenario illustrates how portion distortion at dinner—a common American
eating pattern—represents the most significant dietary planning error in an otherwise
moderately balanced day.
Question 3 of 50
A community health nurse is evaluating the nutritional status of a 67-year-old retired teacher
who lives alone. The client has lost 12 pounds unintentionally over the past four months,
reports difficulty chewing due to ill-fitting dentures, and has limited mobility that restricts
grocery shopping to once monthly. Which assessment finding should be prioritized as the
most immediate nutrition concern requiring intervention?
A. Inadequate dietary fiber intake due to limited fresh produce
B. Protein-energy malnutrition risk from unintended weight loss ✓ CORRECT
C. Excessive sodium consumption from canned and processed foods
D. Vitamin D deficiency from reduced sun exposure and fortified food access
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Unintentional weight loss exceeding 5% of body weight within 3–6 months is a
critical indicator of protein-energy malnutrition in older adults, which directly increases risk
for sarcopenia, impaired immune function, and mortality; this takes precedence over other
,concerns because it represents an acute, life-threatening trajectory. Choice A identifies a
valid issue but fiber inadequacy develops gradually and is not immediately life-threatening,
whereas rapid weight loss in the elderly can precipitate functional decline within weeks. The
nurse should immediately refer this client to a dietitian for high-protein, texture-modified meal
planning and coordinate Meals on Wheels or similar services to address the underlying
access barriers.
Question 4 of 50
A sports dietitian is analyzing the dietary intake of a 22-year-old female collegiate swimmer
who trains 2.5 hours daily, six days per week. Her estimated energy expenditure is 3,200
kcal/day, yet her self-reported intake averages only 2,100 kcal/day. She reports feeling
fatigued during afternoon practices and has experienced amenorrhea for the past three
months. Which condition best explains this clinical presentation?
A. Iron-deficiency anemia secondary to inadequate heme iron intake
B. Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) from chronic low energy availability ✓
CORRECT
C. Overtraining syndrome caused by excessive training volume
D. Hypothyroidism due to insufficient iodine consumption
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: RED-S occurs when an athlete's dietary energy intake is insufficient to support the
energy expenditure of exercise plus basic physiological functions, resulting in metabolic
suppression, menstrual dysfunction, and decreased performance; the 1,100 kcal/day energy
deficit aligns with the threshold for low energy availability (below 30 kcal/kg fat-free
mass/day). Choice A is a common trap because swimmers do have elevated iron needs, but
fatigue plus amenorrhea in the context of significant energy restriction points specifically to
RED-S rather than isolated micronutrient deficiency. Early identification is crucial because
prolonged RED-S can cause irreversible bone density loss in young athletes.
Question 5 of 50
A clinical dietitian reviews the laboratory values of a 45-year-old male with newly diagnosed
type 2 diabetes. His fasting blood glucose is 142 mg/dL, HbA1c is 7.2%, total cholesterol is
218 mg/dL, LDL is 148 mg/dL, HDL is 38 mg/dL, and triglycerides are 245 mg/dL. Based on
the American Diabetes Association nutrition care guidelines, which dietary modification
should be emphasized as the primary intervention target?
A. Carbohydrate counting to achieve postprandial glucose below 180 mg/dL
, B. Reduction of saturated fat to less than 7% of total calories to lower LDL cholesterol ✓
CORRECT
C. Sodium restriction to less than 1,500 mg/day for blood pressure control
D. Increased soluble fiber intake to 25–30 grams daily for glycemic management
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The ADA prioritizes cardiovascular risk reduction in diabetes management
because CVD is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in this population; this patient's
LDL of 148 mg/dL exceeds the target of less than 100 mg/dL (or less than 70 mg/dL with
established CVD), and his low HDL plus elevated triglycerides indicate atherogenic
dyslipidemia requiring immediate saturated fat restriction. Choice A addresses glycemic
control, which is important, but his HbA1c of 7.2% is only moderately elevated while his lipid
profile presents the more urgent mortality risk. In practice, diabetes nutrition therapy must
simultaneously address glucose and lipid management, with saturated fat reduction taking
precedence when atherogenic dyslipidemia is present.
Question 6 of 50
A pediatric dietitian is counseling the parents of a 3-year-old child who refuses to eat
vegetables and insists on only macaroni and cheese, chicken nuggets, and apple juice. The
child's growth chart shows height and weight consistently at the 50th percentile, but the
parents are concerned about long-term nutritional adequacy. According to evidenced-based
pediatric feeding guidelines, which recommendation best supports healthy eating pattern
development?
A. Implement a "two-bite rule" requiring vegetable consumption before dessert
B. Offer vegetables without pressure and model vegetable consumption at family meals ✓
CORRECT
C. Replace apple juice with vegetable juice to ensure micronutrient intake
D. Withhold preferred foods until the child willingly accepts vegetables
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Division of Responsibility in Feeding, developed by Ellyn Satter, establishes
that parents determine what, when, and where food is offered while children decide whether
and how much to eat; this evidence-based approach reduces mealtime pressure, which
research shows actually increases food neophobia and decreases vegetable acceptance in
preschoolers. Choice A seems logical to parents but creates power struggles that worsen
picky eating and can lead to disordered eating patterns later in childhood. The dietitian
should reassure these parents that growth at the 50th percentile indicates adequate current
nutrition while guiding them toward pressure-free exposure strategies that build lifelong
healthy eating habits.
Wellness Official Practice Exam Actual
Exam 2026/2027 with Detailed Rationales |
Complete Exam-Style Questions | Pass
Guaranteed – A+ Graded
══════════════════════════════════════
SECTION 1: NUTRITION ASSESSMENT & DIETARY PLANNING Q1 – Q10
══════════════════════════════════════
Question 1 of 50
A 34-year-old female office worker visits the campus wellness center for a nutrition
assessment. She is 5'4" (162.6 cm) tall and weighs 148 lbs (67.1 kg). Her waist circumference
measures 33 inches, and her blood pressure is 128/82 mmHg. She reports skipping breakfast
most days and consuming takeout for lunch and dinner. Which BMI classification and
associated health risk profile best describes this client?
A. Underweight; low risk for chronic disease
B. Normal weight; minimal health concerns ✓ CORRECT
C. Overweight; elevated risk for metabolic syndrome
D. Obese Class I; high risk for cardiovascular disease
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: BMI is calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared (67.1
÷ 1.626² = 25.4), which falls within the normal weight range of 18.5–24.9 when using precise
calculation, though borderline; however, with a waist circumference of 33 inches (below the
35-inch threshold for women) and blood pressure in the elevated but not hypertensive range,
this client presents with a normal weight profile and minimal immediate health concerns
despite poor dietary habits. Choice C is tempting because 148 lbs may seem heavy for her
height, but BMI must be calculated precisely rather than estimated, and waist circumference
remains the critical differentiator for metabolic risk. In clinical practice, this client needs
dietary counseling to prevent future weight gain rather than weight loss intervention.
Question 2 of 50
,A registered dietitian is conducting a 24-hour dietary recall with a 28-year-old male graduate
student. The client reports consuming: breakfast—two scrambled eggs, two slices of white
toast with butter, and orange juice; lunch—turkey sandwich on whole wheat with mayonnaise,
apple, and sports drink; dinner—grilled chicken breast (6 oz), baked potato with sour cream,
green beans, and two beers; evening snack—ice cream (1 cup). Using the USDA MyPlate
guidelines as the standard, which meal most significantly deviates from recommended
proportions?
A. Breakfast, due to insufficient whole grain and excessive saturated fat
B. Lunch, because processed meats and added sugars exceed guidelines
C. Dinner, owing to oversized protein portion and alcohol consumption ✓ CORRECT
D. Evening snack, since dairy servings should be limited to daytime hours
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The USDA MyPlate recommends that protein foods comprise approximately
20–25% of the plate, equating to roughly 5–6.5 ounces per day for an adult male; a 6-ounce
chicken breast at dinner alone exceeds the daily recommendation, and alcohol provides
empty calories with no nutritional value while displacing nutrient-dense beverage choices.
Choice A is incorrect because while breakfast could be improved with whole grains, eggs
provide high-quality protein and the meal structure aligns reasonably with MyPlate
proportions. This scenario illustrates how portion distortion at dinner—a common American
eating pattern—represents the most significant dietary planning error in an otherwise
moderately balanced day.
Question 3 of 50
A community health nurse is evaluating the nutritional status of a 67-year-old retired teacher
who lives alone. The client has lost 12 pounds unintentionally over the past four months,
reports difficulty chewing due to ill-fitting dentures, and has limited mobility that restricts
grocery shopping to once monthly. Which assessment finding should be prioritized as the
most immediate nutrition concern requiring intervention?
A. Inadequate dietary fiber intake due to limited fresh produce
B. Protein-energy malnutrition risk from unintended weight loss ✓ CORRECT
C. Excessive sodium consumption from canned and processed foods
D. Vitamin D deficiency from reduced sun exposure and fortified food access
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Unintentional weight loss exceeding 5% of body weight within 3–6 months is a
critical indicator of protein-energy malnutrition in older adults, which directly increases risk
for sarcopenia, impaired immune function, and mortality; this takes precedence over other
,concerns because it represents an acute, life-threatening trajectory. Choice A identifies a
valid issue but fiber inadequacy develops gradually and is not immediately life-threatening,
whereas rapid weight loss in the elderly can precipitate functional decline within weeks. The
nurse should immediately refer this client to a dietitian for high-protein, texture-modified meal
planning and coordinate Meals on Wheels or similar services to address the underlying
access barriers.
Question 4 of 50
A sports dietitian is analyzing the dietary intake of a 22-year-old female collegiate swimmer
who trains 2.5 hours daily, six days per week. Her estimated energy expenditure is 3,200
kcal/day, yet her self-reported intake averages only 2,100 kcal/day. She reports feeling
fatigued during afternoon practices and has experienced amenorrhea for the past three
months. Which condition best explains this clinical presentation?
A. Iron-deficiency anemia secondary to inadequate heme iron intake
B. Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) from chronic low energy availability ✓
CORRECT
C. Overtraining syndrome caused by excessive training volume
D. Hypothyroidism due to insufficient iodine consumption
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: RED-S occurs when an athlete's dietary energy intake is insufficient to support the
energy expenditure of exercise plus basic physiological functions, resulting in metabolic
suppression, menstrual dysfunction, and decreased performance; the 1,100 kcal/day energy
deficit aligns with the threshold for low energy availability (below 30 kcal/kg fat-free
mass/day). Choice A is a common trap because swimmers do have elevated iron needs, but
fatigue plus amenorrhea in the context of significant energy restriction points specifically to
RED-S rather than isolated micronutrient deficiency. Early identification is crucial because
prolonged RED-S can cause irreversible bone density loss in young athletes.
Question 5 of 50
A clinical dietitian reviews the laboratory values of a 45-year-old male with newly diagnosed
type 2 diabetes. His fasting blood glucose is 142 mg/dL, HbA1c is 7.2%, total cholesterol is
218 mg/dL, LDL is 148 mg/dL, HDL is 38 mg/dL, and triglycerides are 245 mg/dL. Based on
the American Diabetes Association nutrition care guidelines, which dietary modification
should be emphasized as the primary intervention target?
A. Carbohydrate counting to achieve postprandial glucose below 180 mg/dL
, B. Reduction of saturated fat to less than 7% of total calories to lower LDL cholesterol ✓
CORRECT
C. Sodium restriction to less than 1,500 mg/day for blood pressure control
D. Increased soluble fiber intake to 25–30 grams daily for glycemic management
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The ADA prioritizes cardiovascular risk reduction in diabetes management
because CVD is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in this population; this patient's
LDL of 148 mg/dL exceeds the target of less than 100 mg/dL (or less than 70 mg/dL with
established CVD), and his low HDL plus elevated triglycerides indicate atherogenic
dyslipidemia requiring immediate saturated fat restriction. Choice A addresses glycemic
control, which is important, but his HbA1c of 7.2% is only moderately elevated while his lipid
profile presents the more urgent mortality risk. In practice, diabetes nutrition therapy must
simultaneously address glucose and lipid management, with saturated fat reduction taking
precedence when atherogenic dyslipidemia is present.
Question 6 of 50
A pediatric dietitian is counseling the parents of a 3-year-old child who refuses to eat
vegetables and insists on only macaroni and cheese, chicken nuggets, and apple juice. The
child's growth chart shows height and weight consistently at the 50th percentile, but the
parents are concerned about long-term nutritional adequacy. According to evidenced-based
pediatric feeding guidelines, which recommendation best supports healthy eating pattern
development?
A. Implement a "two-bite rule" requiring vegetable consumption before dessert
B. Offer vegetables without pressure and model vegetable consumption at family meals ✓
CORRECT
C. Replace apple juice with vegetable juice to ensure micronutrient intake
D. Withhold preferred foods until the child willingly accepts vegetables
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Division of Responsibility in Feeding, developed by Ellyn Satter, establishes
that parents determine what, when, and where food is offered while children decide whether
and how much to eat; this evidence-based approach reduces mealtime pressure, which
research shows actually increases food neophobia and decreases vegetable acceptance in
preschoolers. Choice A seems logical to parents but creates power struggles that worsen
picky eating and can lead to disordered eating patterns later in childhood. The dietitian
should reassure these parents that growth at the 50th percentile indicates adequate current
nutrition while guiding them toward pressure-free exposure strategies that build lifelong
healthy eating habits.
