ATI RN Nutrition Proctored Exam
2023/2026 Practice Questions &
Answers with Rationales
## SECTION 1: BASIC NUTRITION & METABOLISM (Questions 1-30)
**1. A patient who has celiac disease should avoid which type of
foods?**
- A) Foods containing gluten
- B) High-fat foods
- C) Simple carbohydrates
- D) Dairy products
**Answer: A) Foods containing gluten**
**Rationale:** Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by
gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Patients must avoid
all processed foods that may contain gluten. In celiac disease, gluten
,causes damage to the small intestine, leading to malabsorption of
nutrients.
---
**2. What is an example of an incomplete protein?**
- A) Eggs
- B) Fish
- C) Plant proteins such as beans
- D) Milk
**Answer: C) Plant proteins such as beans**
**Rationale:** Incomplete proteins lack one or more essential amino
acids. Plant proteins, including beans, legumes, nuts, and grains, are
considered incomplete proteins. Animal proteins (eggs, fish, milk) are
complete proteins containing all essential amino acids.
---
**3. Lutein, which slows the progression of macular degeneration, is
found in which foods?**
- A) Citrus fruits
,- B) Kale, spinach, collard and mustard greens
- C) Red meat
- D) Whole grains
**Answer: B) Kale, spinach, collard and mustard greens**
**Rationale:** Lutein is a carotenoid antioxidant found in dark leafy
green vegetables. It helps protect the macula of the eye from oxidative
damage and slows the progression of age-related macular
degeneration.
---
**4. What should be infused if a bag of TPN (total parenteral nutrition)
runs out before the next bag is available?**
- A) Normal saline
- B) 10% dextrose in water
- C) Lactated Ringer's
- D) 5% dextrose in water
**Answer: B) 10% dextrose in water**
, **Rationale:** When TPN is interrupted, 10% dextrose in water should
be infused to prevent hypoglycemia. TPN contains high concentrations
of dextrose, and suddenly stopping it can cause a rapid drop in blood
glucose levels. Never abruptly discontinue TPN; the 10% dextrose
provides a glucose source until TPN can be resumed.
---
**5. What kind of carbohydrate should make up the majority of a
healthy diet?**
- A) Monosaccharides
- B) Disaccharides
- C) Polysaccharides
- D) Simple sugars
**Answer: C) Polysaccharides**
**Rationale:** Complex carbohydrates (polysaccharides) such as
starches and fiber should make up the majority of carbohydrate intake.
They provide sustained energy, promote satiety, and help maintain
stable blood glucose levels compared to simple carbohydrates.
---
2023/2026 Practice Questions &
Answers with Rationales
## SECTION 1: BASIC NUTRITION & METABOLISM (Questions 1-30)
**1. A patient who has celiac disease should avoid which type of
foods?**
- A) Foods containing gluten
- B) High-fat foods
- C) Simple carbohydrates
- D) Dairy products
**Answer: A) Foods containing gluten**
**Rationale:** Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by
gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Patients must avoid
all processed foods that may contain gluten. In celiac disease, gluten
,causes damage to the small intestine, leading to malabsorption of
nutrients.
---
**2. What is an example of an incomplete protein?**
- A) Eggs
- B) Fish
- C) Plant proteins such as beans
- D) Milk
**Answer: C) Plant proteins such as beans**
**Rationale:** Incomplete proteins lack one or more essential amino
acids. Plant proteins, including beans, legumes, nuts, and grains, are
considered incomplete proteins. Animal proteins (eggs, fish, milk) are
complete proteins containing all essential amino acids.
---
**3. Lutein, which slows the progression of macular degeneration, is
found in which foods?**
- A) Citrus fruits
,- B) Kale, spinach, collard and mustard greens
- C) Red meat
- D) Whole grains
**Answer: B) Kale, spinach, collard and mustard greens**
**Rationale:** Lutein is a carotenoid antioxidant found in dark leafy
green vegetables. It helps protect the macula of the eye from oxidative
damage and slows the progression of age-related macular
degeneration.
---
**4. What should be infused if a bag of TPN (total parenteral nutrition)
runs out before the next bag is available?**
- A) Normal saline
- B) 10% dextrose in water
- C) Lactated Ringer's
- D) 5% dextrose in water
**Answer: B) 10% dextrose in water**
, **Rationale:** When TPN is interrupted, 10% dextrose in water should
be infused to prevent hypoglycemia. TPN contains high concentrations
of dextrose, and suddenly stopping it can cause a rapid drop in blood
glucose levels. Never abruptly discontinue TPN; the 10% dextrose
provides a glucose source until TPN can be resumed.
---
**5. What kind of carbohydrate should make up the majority of a
healthy diet?**
- A) Monosaccharides
- B) Disaccharides
- C) Polysaccharides
- D) Simple sugars
**Answer: C) Polysaccharides**
**Rationale:** Complex carbohydrates (polysaccharides) such as
starches and fiber should make up the majority of carbohydrate intake.
They provide sustained energy, promote satiety, and help maintain
stable blood glucose levels compared to simple carbohydrates.
---
