DHN 101 EXAM 3 ACTUAL EXAM – QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND
WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | DOWNLOAD AND PASS |
LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027
Core Domains
Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism
Clinical Nutrition and Disease Management
Nutritional Assessment and Anthropometry
Public Health Nutrition and Epidemiology
Food Science and Safety
Dietary Guidelines and Policy
Ethics and Professional Standards in Dietetics
Lifespan Nutrition
Introduction
This comprehensive examination is designed to rigorously assess your knowledge
and application of core principles in nutritional science and dietetics. It covers
foundational biochemistry, clinical management, public health strategies, and
professional ethics. The exam employs a variety of multiple-choice and scenario-
based questions to evaluate not just recall, but your ability to synthesize
information, think critically, and make informed decisions in complex, real-world
situations. Success on this exam demonstrates a robust understanding of the science
of nutrition and its practical application in promoting health and preventing disease
across diverse populations.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1 – 50
,1. A 45-year-old male with a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia
presents for a nutrition consultation. His laboratory results show a fasting
blood glucose of 98 mg/dL and an HbA1c of 5.7%. Which of the following is the
most appropriate initial dietary intervention to reduce his risk of progressing to
type 2 diabetes?
A. A high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet
B. A low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet
C. A Mediterranean-style diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy
fats
D. A very low-calorie diet of 800 kcal/day
🟢 Correct Answer: C. A Mediterranean-style diet rich in whole grains, fruits,
vegetables, and healthy fats
🔴 Explanation: The patient has prediabetes (HbA1c 5.7-6.4%). The
Mediterranean diet has strong evidence for preventing progression to type 2
diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation. It is a
sustainable, balanced approach that addresses his hypertension and
hyperlipidemia simultaneously.
2. In the context of energy metabolism, which of the following pathways is the
primary source of ATP during prolonged, low-intensity exercise such as a
marathon?
A. Glycolysis
B. The Cori cycle
C. Oxidative phosphorylation
D. The creatine phosphate system
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Oxidative phosphorylation
,🔴 Explanation: Oxidative phosphorylation is the primary pathway for ATP
production during prolonged, low-intensity exercise. It utilizes fatty acids and
carbohydrates in the presence of oxygen to produce a large amount of ATP,
making it the predominant energy system for endurance activities.
3. A 70-year-old female is diagnosed with osteoporosis. Her dietary intake
assessment reveals a low intake of calcium and vitamin D. Which of the
following interventions would be most effective in preventing further bone
loss?
A. Supplementation with 1000 mg of calcium and 600 IU of vitamin D daily
B. A diet high in phosphorus-rich foods
C. Increasing intake of dietary fiber
D. Supplementation with 400 mg of magnesium daily
🟢 Correct Answer: A. Supplementation with 1000 mg of calcium and 600 IU of
vitamin D daily
🔴 Explanation: Adequate calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone health.
The recommended daily allowance for calcium in older adults is 1200 mg, and
vitamin D is 800 IU. Supplementation is often necessary to meet these needs, and
this combination is the most effective and evidence-based intervention for
preventing further bone loss in osteoporosis.
4. A public health nutritionist is designing a program to reduce the incidence of
neural tube defects in a community with limited access to fortified foods.
Which of the following strategies would be most effective?
A. Promoting the consumption of leafy green vegetables only
B. Mandating the fortification of all cereal grains with folic acid
C. Distributing folic acid supplements to all women of childbearing age
D. Encouraging the consumption of red meat and poultry
, 🟢 Correct Answer: C. Distributing folic acid supplements to all women of
childbearing age
🔴 Explanation: While fortification is ideal, in a community with limited access to
fortified foods, direct supplementation with folic acid is the most effective
strategy to ensure adequate intake before and during early pregnancy to prevent
neural tube defects. Leafy green vegetables are good sources but have lower
bioavailability than folic acid supplements.
5. A patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4 presents with
hyperkalemia and edema. Which of the following dietary modifications should
be prioritized in their nutrition care plan?
A. High-protein diet, high-sodium diet
B. Low-potassium diet, low-sodium diet
C. High-potassium diet, high-sodium diet
D. Low-potassium diet, high-sodium diet
🟢 Correct Answer: B. Low-potassium diet, low-sodium diet
🔴 Explanation: In CKD stage 4, the kidneys lose their ability to excrete potassium
and sodium effectively. A low-potassium diet is essential to prevent hyperkalemia
(dangerous heart arrhythmias), and a low-sodium diet is crucial to manage fluid
retention and edema, as well as hypertension.
6. What is the primary site of digestion and absorption for dietary lipids?
A. The stomach
B. The mouth
C. The small intestine
D. The large intestine
🟢 Correct Answer: C. The small intestine
WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | DOWNLOAD AND PASS |
LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027
Core Domains
Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism
Clinical Nutrition and Disease Management
Nutritional Assessment and Anthropometry
Public Health Nutrition and Epidemiology
Food Science and Safety
Dietary Guidelines and Policy
Ethics and Professional Standards in Dietetics
Lifespan Nutrition
Introduction
This comprehensive examination is designed to rigorously assess your knowledge
and application of core principles in nutritional science and dietetics. It covers
foundational biochemistry, clinical management, public health strategies, and
professional ethics. The exam employs a variety of multiple-choice and scenario-
based questions to evaluate not just recall, but your ability to synthesize
information, think critically, and make informed decisions in complex, real-world
situations. Success on this exam demonstrates a robust understanding of the science
of nutrition and its practical application in promoting health and preventing disease
across diverse populations.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1 – 50
,1. A 45-year-old male with a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia
presents for a nutrition consultation. His laboratory results show a fasting
blood glucose of 98 mg/dL and an HbA1c of 5.7%. Which of the following is the
most appropriate initial dietary intervention to reduce his risk of progressing to
type 2 diabetes?
A. A high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet
B. A low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet
C. A Mediterranean-style diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy
fats
D. A very low-calorie diet of 800 kcal/day
🟢 Correct Answer: C. A Mediterranean-style diet rich in whole grains, fruits,
vegetables, and healthy fats
🔴 Explanation: The patient has prediabetes (HbA1c 5.7-6.4%). The
Mediterranean diet has strong evidence for preventing progression to type 2
diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation. It is a
sustainable, balanced approach that addresses his hypertension and
hyperlipidemia simultaneously.
2. In the context of energy metabolism, which of the following pathways is the
primary source of ATP during prolonged, low-intensity exercise such as a
marathon?
A. Glycolysis
B. The Cori cycle
C. Oxidative phosphorylation
D. The creatine phosphate system
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Oxidative phosphorylation
,🔴 Explanation: Oxidative phosphorylation is the primary pathway for ATP
production during prolonged, low-intensity exercise. It utilizes fatty acids and
carbohydrates in the presence of oxygen to produce a large amount of ATP,
making it the predominant energy system for endurance activities.
3. A 70-year-old female is diagnosed with osteoporosis. Her dietary intake
assessment reveals a low intake of calcium and vitamin D. Which of the
following interventions would be most effective in preventing further bone
loss?
A. Supplementation with 1000 mg of calcium and 600 IU of vitamin D daily
B. A diet high in phosphorus-rich foods
C. Increasing intake of dietary fiber
D. Supplementation with 400 mg of magnesium daily
🟢 Correct Answer: A. Supplementation with 1000 mg of calcium and 600 IU of
vitamin D daily
🔴 Explanation: Adequate calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone health.
The recommended daily allowance for calcium in older adults is 1200 mg, and
vitamin D is 800 IU. Supplementation is often necessary to meet these needs, and
this combination is the most effective and evidence-based intervention for
preventing further bone loss in osteoporosis.
4. A public health nutritionist is designing a program to reduce the incidence of
neural tube defects in a community with limited access to fortified foods.
Which of the following strategies would be most effective?
A. Promoting the consumption of leafy green vegetables only
B. Mandating the fortification of all cereal grains with folic acid
C. Distributing folic acid supplements to all women of childbearing age
D. Encouraging the consumption of red meat and poultry
, 🟢 Correct Answer: C. Distributing folic acid supplements to all women of
childbearing age
🔴 Explanation: While fortification is ideal, in a community with limited access to
fortified foods, direct supplementation with folic acid is the most effective
strategy to ensure adequate intake before and during early pregnancy to prevent
neural tube defects. Leafy green vegetables are good sources but have lower
bioavailability than folic acid supplements.
5. A patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4 presents with
hyperkalemia and edema. Which of the following dietary modifications should
be prioritized in their nutrition care plan?
A. High-protein diet, high-sodium diet
B. Low-potassium diet, low-sodium diet
C. High-potassium diet, high-sodium diet
D. Low-potassium diet, high-sodium diet
🟢 Correct Answer: B. Low-potassium diet, low-sodium diet
🔴 Explanation: In CKD stage 4, the kidneys lose their ability to excrete potassium
and sodium effectively. A low-potassium diet is essential to prevent hyperkalemia
(dangerous heart arrhythmias), and a low-sodium diet is crucial to manage fluid
retention and edema, as well as hypertension.
6. What is the primary site of digestion and absorption for dietary lipids?
A. The stomach
B. The mouth
C. The small intestine
D. The large intestine
🟢 Correct Answer: C. The small intestine
