Summary NUR 114 ATI NUTRITION
ATI NUTRITION POSSIBLE ANSWERS — Complete Fall 2026/2027 — A+ Rated
Total Questions: 130 | 9 Sections | Multiple Choice (A–D)
Aligned with ATI Nutrition Proctored Assessment Blueprint & NUR 114 Course Objectives
Section 1: Nutrition Fundamentals and Macronutrients (Q1–Q19)
Q1: Which macronutrient is the body's primary and preferred energy source, especially for the brain and
nervous system?
A. Protein
B. Lipid
C. Carbohydrate [CORRECT]
D. Alcohol
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Carbohydrates are the body's primary and preferred energy source, supplying 4 kcal/g and serving as the
obligatory fuel for the brain, RBCs, and nervous system. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend 45–65% of
total daily calories from carbohydrates. Protein (A) supplies 4 kcal/g but is primarily used for tissue building and repair,
not energy. Lipid (B) supplies 9 kcal/g but is a secondary fuel source. Alcohol (D) supplies 7 kcal/g but is not a nutrient
and is not recommended as an energy source.
Q2: A client asks the nurse how many calories per gram are provided by fat. The nurse should respond:
A. 4 kcal/g
B. 7 kcal/g
C. 9 kcal/g [CORRECT]
D. 12 kcal/g
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Fat (lipid) provides 9 kcal/g — the most calorie-dense macronutrient. Carbohydrate and protein each
provide 4 kcal/g; alcohol provides 7 kcal/g. This calorie density is why high-fat foods contribute significantly to total
caloric intake and why fat restriction is recommended for weight management. Choice A is the value for carbohydrate
and protein. Choice B is alcohol. Choice D is incorrect.
Q3: Which food selection by a client indicates understanding of a high-quality (complete) protein diet?
A. Black beans and rice
B. Peanut butter on whole-wheat bread
C. Grilled chicken breast [CORRECT]
D. Lentils with quinoa
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Grilled chicken breast is an animal-source complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids in
adequate amounts. Choices A, B, and D are complementary proteins (combining plant sources to provide all essential
amino acids) but are not individually complete. ATI Nutrition emphasizes that animal sources (meat, poultry, fish, eggs,
dairy) are complete proteins, while most plant sources are incomplete and must be combined. Soy and quinoa are
, exceptions as complete plant proteins.
Q4: Which carbohydrate source provides the most fiber per serving?
A. White rice
B. Apple juice
C. Lentils [CORRECT]
D. White bread
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Lentils provide approximately 15 g of fiber per cooked cup and are among the highest-fiber foods. The
Adequate Intake (AI) for fiber is 25 g/day for women and 38 g/day for men. Choice A (white rice) and Choice D (white
bread) are refined grains with most fiber removed. Choice B (apple juice) has had the fiber-containing pulp removed
during processing. ATI emphasizes whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables as primary fiber sources for promoting
satiety, glycemic control, and bowel regularity.
Q5: A client is learning about fat intake. Which statement by the client indicates teaching was effective
about saturated fats?
A. 'I should increase my intake of saturated fats to lower my cholesterol.'
B. 'Saturated fats are primarily found in animal products such as fatty meats, butter, and full-fat
dairy.' [CORRECT]
C. 'Saturated fats are liquid at room temperature like olive oil.'
D. 'Saturated fats come mainly from plant sources like avocados and nuts.'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Saturated fats are solid at room temperature and primarily found in animal sources (fatty meats, butter,
full-fat dairy, lard) and tropical oils (coconut, palm). The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated
fat to less than 10% of total calories due to its LDL-raising effect. Choice A is incorrect because saturated fats raise
LDL cholesterol. Choice C is incorrect because saturated fats are solid at room temperature (unsaturated fats are
liquid). Choice D incorrectly identifies plant sources.
Q6: The nurse is teaching a client about omega-3 fatty acids. Which food should the nurse recommend?
A. Salmon [CORRECT]
B. Olive oil
C. Walnuts
D. Avocado
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Salmon is an excellent source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which have strong
cardioprotective evidence. The AHA recommends eating fatty fish at least twice per week. Choice B (olive oil) is rich in
monounsaturated fat but not omega-3s. Choices C (walnuts) and D (avocado) contain the plant-based omega-3 ALA,
which is less efficiently converted to EPA/DHA. ATI emphasizes fatty fish as the preferred omega-3 source for
cardiovascular benefit.
Q7: Which statement BEST describes the role of insoluble fiber in the diet?
A. It lowers blood cholesterol levels
B. It adds bulk to stool and promotes regular bowel movements [CORRECT]
, C. It slows glucose absorption
D. It increases bile acid reabsorption
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Insoluble fiber (found in whole-wheat bran, vegetables, whole grains) does not dissolve in water; it adds bulk
to stool and promotes regular bowel movements, preventing constipation. Choice A describes soluble fiber (oats, beans,
barley), which lowers cholesterol by binding bile acids. Choice C describes soluble fiber's effect on glucose absorption.
Choice D is incorrect because soluble fiber actually decreases bile acid reabsorption. ATI distinguishes between soluble
and insoluble fiber functions.
Q8: The basal metabolic rate (BMR) accounts for approximately what percentage of total energy
expenditure in a sedentary adult?
A. 10–20%
B. 30–40%
C. 60–70% [CORRECT]
D. 90–100%
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: BMR (the energy needed at complete rest for vital functions) accounts for approximately 60–70% of total
daily energy expenditure in sedentary adults. Physical activity accounts for 15–30%, and the thermic effect of food
accounts for approximately 10%. ATI tests BMR understanding because it explains why caloric needs decrease with
sedentary lifestyle and aging. Choice A and B are too low; Choice D is unrealistic since physical activity and food
thermogenesis always contribute some energy expenditure.
Q9: Which client has the highest basal metabolic rate (BMR) per kilogram of body weight?
A. A 70-year-old sedentary female
B. A 6-month-old infant [CORRECT]
C. A 45-year-old sedentary male
D. A 30-year-old sedentary female
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Infants have the highest BMR per kilogram of body weight due to rapid growth, high proportion of
metabolically active tissue, and thermoregulatory demands. BMR declines with age (approximately 2% per decade after
age 20) and is lower in females than males due to lower muscle mass. Choice A (elderly, sedentary, female) has the
lowest BMR. Choice C (older than D) has lower BMR than D. Choice D is adult female sedentary — lower than infant.
Q10: A client weighs 154 lb. What is the approximate weight in kilograms? (Round to the nearest tenth.)
A. 70.0 kg [CORRECT]
B. 77.0 kg
C. 68.2 kg
D. 85.4 kg
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: To convert pounds to kilograms, divide by 2.2: 154 ÷ 2.2 = 70.0 kg. Choice B is the result of multiplying by
0.5 instead of dividing by 2.2. Choice C uses an incorrect conversion factor. Choice D uses 1.8 (a common error). ATI
requires accurate kg conversion for medication dosing and nutrition calculations such as calorie and protein needs per kg
body weight.
, Q11: Which factor would INCREASE a client's caloric requirement?
A. Aging
B. Hypothyroidism
C. Burns [CORRECT]
D. Sedentary lifestyle
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Burns significantly increase caloric and protein needs due to hypermetabolic stress response, fluid loss, and
tissue healing; major burns can double caloric needs. Choice A (aging) decreases BMR. Choice B (hypothyroidism)
lowers metabolic rate. Choice D (sedentary lifestyle) decreases total energy expenditure. ATI emphasizes that critical
illness, trauma, burns, fever, and surgery increase metabolic demand and require enhanced nutritional support.
Q12: The nurse is calculating a client's BMI. The client is 5'4" tall and weighs 145 lb. Which BMI category
does the client fall into? (BMI = kg/m2)
A. Underweight (<18.5)
B. Normal (18.5–24.9) [CORRECT]
C. Overweight (25–29.9)
D. Obese (≥30)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Calculate: 145 lb ÷ 2.2 = 65.9 kg; 5'4" = 64 in × 2.54 = 162.6 cm = 1.626 m; BMI = 65.9 ÷ (1.626)2 = 65.9
÷ 2.644 = 24.9. BMI 24.9 is at the top of the Normal range (18.5–24.9). Choice A (<18.5) is underweight. Choice C
(25–29.9) is overweight. Choice D (≥30) is obese. ATI expects nurses to calculate BMI and interpret categories for
nutritional assessment.
Q13: Which statement by the nurse about protein is correct?
A. 'Protein is the body's preferred energy source.'
B. 'Protein provides 9 calories per gram.'
C. 'Protein is essential for tissue building, repair, and immune function.' [CORRECT]
D. 'Protein should make up 45–65% of total daily calories.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Protein is essential for tissue building, repair, immune function (antibodies), enzyme and hormone synthesis,
and fluid balance. Choice A is incorrect because carbohydrate is the preferred energy source. Choice B is incorrect
because protein provides 4 kcal/g (fat provides 9). Choice D is incorrect because the recommended protein intake is
10–35% of total calories. ATI emphasizes protein's structural and functional roles beyond energy provision.
Q14: A client on a low-fat diet asks which fat substitute is acceptable. The nurse should recommend:
A. Butter
B. Lard
C. Olive oil [CORRECT]
D. Shortening
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Olive oil is a monounsaturated fat associated with cardiovascular benefits (Mediterranean diet evidence).
Butter (A) and lard (B) are saturated animal fats that raise LDL. Shortening (D) often contains trans fats, which raise
LDL and lower HDL. ATI emphasizes replacing saturated and trans fats with monounsaturated (olive oil, canola,
ATI NUTRITION POSSIBLE ANSWERS — Complete Fall 2026/2027 — A+ Rated
Total Questions: 130 | 9 Sections | Multiple Choice (A–D)
Aligned with ATI Nutrition Proctored Assessment Blueprint & NUR 114 Course Objectives
Section 1: Nutrition Fundamentals and Macronutrients (Q1–Q19)
Q1: Which macronutrient is the body's primary and preferred energy source, especially for the brain and
nervous system?
A. Protein
B. Lipid
C. Carbohydrate [CORRECT]
D. Alcohol
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Carbohydrates are the body's primary and preferred energy source, supplying 4 kcal/g and serving as the
obligatory fuel for the brain, RBCs, and nervous system. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend 45–65% of
total daily calories from carbohydrates. Protein (A) supplies 4 kcal/g but is primarily used for tissue building and repair,
not energy. Lipid (B) supplies 9 kcal/g but is a secondary fuel source. Alcohol (D) supplies 7 kcal/g but is not a nutrient
and is not recommended as an energy source.
Q2: A client asks the nurse how many calories per gram are provided by fat. The nurse should respond:
A. 4 kcal/g
B. 7 kcal/g
C. 9 kcal/g [CORRECT]
D. 12 kcal/g
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Fat (lipid) provides 9 kcal/g — the most calorie-dense macronutrient. Carbohydrate and protein each
provide 4 kcal/g; alcohol provides 7 kcal/g. This calorie density is why high-fat foods contribute significantly to total
caloric intake and why fat restriction is recommended for weight management. Choice A is the value for carbohydrate
and protein. Choice B is alcohol. Choice D is incorrect.
Q3: Which food selection by a client indicates understanding of a high-quality (complete) protein diet?
A. Black beans and rice
B. Peanut butter on whole-wheat bread
C. Grilled chicken breast [CORRECT]
D. Lentils with quinoa
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Grilled chicken breast is an animal-source complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids in
adequate amounts. Choices A, B, and D are complementary proteins (combining plant sources to provide all essential
amino acids) but are not individually complete. ATI Nutrition emphasizes that animal sources (meat, poultry, fish, eggs,
dairy) are complete proteins, while most plant sources are incomplete and must be combined. Soy and quinoa are
, exceptions as complete plant proteins.
Q4: Which carbohydrate source provides the most fiber per serving?
A. White rice
B. Apple juice
C. Lentils [CORRECT]
D. White bread
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Lentils provide approximately 15 g of fiber per cooked cup and are among the highest-fiber foods. The
Adequate Intake (AI) for fiber is 25 g/day for women and 38 g/day for men. Choice A (white rice) and Choice D (white
bread) are refined grains with most fiber removed. Choice B (apple juice) has had the fiber-containing pulp removed
during processing. ATI emphasizes whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables as primary fiber sources for promoting
satiety, glycemic control, and bowel regularity.
Q5: A client is learning about fat intake. Which statement by the client indicates teaching was effective
about saturated fats?
A. 'I should increase my intake of saturated fats to lower my cholesterol.'
B. 'Saturated fats are primarily found in animal products such as fatty meats, butter, and full-fat
dairy.' [CORRECT]
C. 'Saturated fats are liquid at room temperature like olive oil.'
D. 'Saturated fats come mainly from plant sources like avocados and nuts.'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Saturated fats are solid at room temperature and primarily found in animal sources (fatty meats, butter,
full-fat dairy, lard) and tropical oils (coconut, palm). The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated
fat to less than 10% of total calories due to its LDL-raising effect. Choice A is incorrect because saturated fats raise
LDL cholesterol. Choice C is incorrect because saturated fats are solid at room temperature (unsaturated fats are
liquid). Choice D incorrectly identifies plant sources.
Q6: The nurse is teaching a client about omega-3 fatty acids. Which food should the nurse recommend?
A. Salmon [CORRECT]
B. Olive oil
C. Walnuts
D. Avocado
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Salmon is an excellent source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which have strong
cardioprotective evidence. The AHA recommends eating fatty fish at least twice per week. Choice B (olive oil) is rich in
monounsaturated fat but not omega-3s. Choices C (walnuts) and D (avocado) contain the plant-based omega-3 ALA,
which is less efficiently converted to EPA/DHA. ATI emphasizes fatty fish as the preferred omega-3 source for
cardiovascular benefit.
Q7: Which statement BEST describes the role of insoluble fiber in the diet?
A. It lowers blood cholesterol levels
B. It adds bulk to stool and promotes regular bowel movements [CORRECT]
, C. It slows glucose absorption
D. It increases bile acid reabsorption
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Insoluble fiber (found in whole-wheat bran, vegetables, whole grains) does not dissolve in water; it adds bulk
to stool and promotes regular bowel movements, preventing constipation. Choice A describes soluble fiber (oats, beans,
barley), which lowers cholesterol by binding bile acids. Choice C describes soluble fiber's effect on glucose absorption.
Choice D is incorrect because soluble fiber actually decreases bile acid reabsorption. ATI distinguishes between soluble
and insoluble fiber functions.
Q8: The basal metabolic rate (BMR) accounts for approximately what percentage of total energy
expenditure in a sedentary adult?
A. 10–20%
B. 30–40%
C. 60–70% [CORRECT]
D. 90–100%
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: BMR (the energy needed at complete rest for vital functions) accounts for approximately 60–70% of total
daily energy expenditure in sedentary adults. Physical activity accounts for 15–30%, and the thermic effect of food
accounts for approximately 10%. ATI tests BMR understanding because it explains why caloric needs decrease with
sedentary lifestyle and aging. Choice A and B are too low; Choice D is unrealistic since physical activity and food
thermogenesis always contribute some energy expenditure.
Q9: Which client has the highest basal metabolic rate (BMR) per kilogram of body weight?
A. A 70-year-old sedentary female
B. A 6-month-old infant [CORRECT]
C. A 45-year-old sedentary male
D. A 30-year-old sedentary female
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Infants have the highest BMR per kilogram of body weight due to rapid growth, high proportion of
metabolically active tissue, and thermoregulatory demands. BMR declines with age (approximately 2% per decade after
age 20) and is lower in females than males due to lower muscle mass. Choice A (elderly, sedentary, female) has the
lowest BMR. Choice C (older than D) has lower BMR than D. Choice D is adult female sedentary — lower than infant.
Q10: A client weighs 154 lb. What is the approximate weight in kilograms? (Round to the nearest tenth.)
A. 70.0 kg [CORRECT]
B. 77.0 kg
C. 68.2 kg
D. 85.4 kg
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: To convert pounds to kilograms, divide by 2.2: 154 ÷ 2.2 = 70.0 kg. Choice B is the result of multiplying by
0.5 instead of dividing by 2.2. Choice C uses an incorrect conversion factor. Choice D uses 1.8 (a common error). ATI
requires accurate kg conversion for medication dosing and nutrition calculations such as calorie and protein needs per kg
body weight.
, Q11: Which factor would INCREASE a client's caloric requirement?
A. Aging
B. Hypothyroidism
C. Burns [CORRECT]
D. Sedentary lifestyle
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Burns significantly increase caloric and protein needs due to hypermetabolic stress response, fluid loss, and
tissue healing; major burns can double caloric needs. Choice A (aging) decreases BMR. Choice B (hypothyroidism)
lowers metabolic rate. Choice D (sedentary lifestyle) decreases total energy expenditure. ATI emphasizes that critical
illness, trauma, burns, fever, and surgery increase metabolic demand and require enhanced nutritional support.
Q12: The nurse is calculating a client's BMI. The client is 5'4" tall and weighs 145 lb. Which BMI category
does the client fall into? (BMI = kg/m2)
A. Underweight (<18.5)
B. Normal (18.5–24.9) [CORRECT]
C. Overweight (25–29.9)
D. Obese (≥30)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Calculate: 145 lb ÷ 2.2 = 65.9 kg; 5'4" = 64 in × 2.54 = 162.6 cm = 1.626 m; BMI = 65.9 ÷ (1.626)2 = 65.9
÷ 2.644 = 24.9. BMI 24.9 is at the top of the Normal range (18.5–24.9). Choice A (<18.5) is underweight. Choice C
(25–29.9) is overweight. Choice D (≥30) is obese. ATI expects nurses to calculate BMI and interpret categories for
nutritional assessment.
Q13: Which statement by the nurse about protein is correct?
A. 'Protein is the body's preferred energy source.'
B. 'Protein provides 9 calories per gram.'
C. 'Protein is essential for tissue building, repair, and immune function.' [CORRECT]
D. 'Protein should make up 45–65% of total daily calories.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Protein is essential for tissue building, repair, immune function (antibodies), enzyme and hormone synthesis,
and fluid balance. Choice A is incorrect because carbohydrate is the preferred energy source. Choice B is incorrect
because protein provides 4 kcal/g (fat provides 9). Choice D is incorrect because the recommended protein intake is
10–35% of total calories. ATI emphasizes protein's structural and functional roles beyond energy provision.
Q14: A client on a low-fat diet asks which fat substitute is acceptable. The nurse should recommend:
A. Butter
B. Lard
C. Olive oil [CORRECT]
D. Shortening
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Olive oil is a monounsaturated fat associated with cardiovascular benefits (Mediterranean diet evidence).
Butter (A) and lard (B) are saturated animal fats that raise LDL. Shortening (D) often contains trans fats, which raise
LDL and lower HDL. ATI emphasizes replacing saturated and trans fats with monounsaturated (olive oil, canola,
