Nutrition Test Bank 2026/2027 | Chapters 1–13 | The Basics of Nutrition, Nutrition
Information, Diet Planning, Carbohydrates, Fats, Proteins, Vitamins, Water & Minerals,
Energy Balance, Physical Activity, Food Safety & Nutrition Across the Lifespan |
Practice Questions, Answers & Detailed Explanations
Question 1: A 68-year-old male with stage 3 chronic kidney disease is advised to limit his
phosphorus intake. Which of the following food choices is the most appropriate for him to
select?
A. 1 cup of non-fat milk
B. 1 ounce of cheddar cheese
C. 1 cup of fresh raspberries
D. 4 ounces of canned sardines
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 1 cup of fresh raspberries
Rationale: Fresh raspberries are a low-phosphorus fruit, making them safe for a renal diet. Dairy
products (milk, cheese) and fish with bones (sardines) are high in phosphorus and should be
restricted in CKD.
Question 2: Which of the following is the primary function of dietary carbohydrates in human
nutrition?
A. Building and repairing muscle tissue
B. Providing a concentrated source of energy
C. Serving as the body's main and preferred energy source
D. Facilitating the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Serving as the body's main and preferred energy source
Rationale: The primary role of carbohydrates is to provide glucose, which is the preferred fuel
for the brain, central nervous system, and red blood cells. Proteins are for tissue repair, fats are
concentrated energy, and fats also facilitate vitamin absorption.
Question 3: A patient with celiac disease is planning a meal. Which of the following grains is
considered safe for them to consume?
A. Barley
B. Rye
C. Quinoa
D. Wheat
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Quinoa
,Rationale: Quinoa is a naturally gluten-free grain. Wheat, barley, and rye contain gluten
proteins that trigger an autoimmune response in individuals with celiac disease.
Question 4: Which water-soluble vitamin is synthesized by intestinal bacteria and can be
obtained through exposure to sunlight?
A. Thiamin (B1)
B. Niacin (B3)
C. Biotin (B7)
D. Vitamin K
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Biotin (B7)
Rationale: Biotin is synthesized by intestinal flora. While Vitamin K is also synthesized by
intestinal bacteria and is fat-soluble, Biotin is the water-soluble vitamin among the options that
is known to be produced in the GI tract.
Question 5: A patient is prescribed a thiazide diuretic. Which of the following minerals should
the nurse recommend the patient to consume more of through dietary sources to prevent a
deficiency?
A. Sodium
B. Chloride
C. Calcium
D. Potassium
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Potassium
Rationale: Thiazide diuretics increase the excretion of potassium in the urine, which can lead to
hypokalemia. Patients should be encouraged to consume potassium-rich foods like bananas
and potatoes.
Question 6: In the context of nutritional assessment, the "ABCDEs" stand for Anthropometric,
Biochemical, Clinical, Dietary, and what other component?
A. Economic
B. Environmental
C. Educational
D. Emotional
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Environmental
,Rationale: The ABCDEs of nutritional assessment include Anthropometric, Biochemical, Clinical,
Dietary, and Environmental factors, which encompass the patient's living situation, access to
food, and socioeconomic status.
Question 7: Which of the following lipoproteins is often referred to as "bad cholesterol" due
to its role in depositing cholesterol in arterial walls?
A. Chylomicrons
B. Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)
C. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
D. High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
Rationale: LDL is the primary transporter of cholesterol to peripheral tissues and is strongly
associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis. HDL is often called "good cholesterol"
because it transports cholesterol away from the arteries to the liver.
Question 8: A pregnant woman is concerned about neural tube defects in her baby. Which of
the following vitamins is most critical for prevention during the first trimester?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin C
C. Folic acid
D. Vitamin D
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Folic acid
Rationale: Adequate folate (folic acid) intake before and during early pregnancy is crucial for
preventing neural tube defects like spina bifida and anencephaly.
Question 9: What is the primary role of hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach during the
digestive process?
A. Emulsifying fats
B. Absorbing water
C. Activating pepsinogen to pepsin
D. Neutralizing stomach acid
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Activating pepsinogen to pepsin
, Rationale: HCl provides the acidic environment (pH 1.5-2.0) needed to convert inactive
pepsinogen into active pepsin, which begins protein digestion. Bile emulsifies fats and is
produced in the liver.
Question 10: A patient with type 2 diabetes is following a carbohydrate-counting meal plan. If
they consume 1 cup of cooked pasta (which contains 45 grams of carbohydrate), how many
carbohydrate choices have they consumed if one choice equals 15 grams?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 3
Rationale: 45 grams of carbohydrate divided by 15 grams per choice equals 3 carbohydrate
choices. This system helps diabetic patients manage their blood glucose levels by controlling
carbohydrate intake.
Question 11: Which of the following is a characteristic of a ketogenic diet used for seizure
management?
A. Very high in carbohydrates
B. Very low in fat
C. High in protein and low in fat
D. High in fat and very low in carbohydrates
CORRECT ANSWER: D. High in fat and very low in carbohydrates
Rationale: The classic ketogenic diet is a high-fat, adequate-protein, low-carbohydrate diet that
forces the body to burn fats rather than carbohydrates, producing ketones that have an
anticonvulsant effect.
Question 12: Which vitamin is essential for the absorption of non-heme iron in the
gastrointestinal tract?
A. Vitamin B6
B. Vitamin B12
C. Vitamin C
D. Vitamin E