ATI RN NUTRITION 2025 - PROCTORED EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (Question 1 to 70 with
correct answers and rationales)
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to teach a group of clients about vitamins and minerals. Which of the
following minerals is necessary for the transmission of nerve impulses?
A. Phosphorus
B. Calcium
C. Chloride
D. Zinc
Correct Answer: B. Calcium
Rationale: Calcium is essential for nerve impulse transmission as it facilitates the release of
neurotransmitters at synapses. Phosphorus is involved in energy metabolism, chloride helps with
uid balance, and zinc supports immune function and wound healing.
Relevant Information: Calcium also plays a role in muscle contraction and blood clotting,
making it a critical mineral in overall physiological function.
Question 2
A nurse is providing dietary teaching to a client with gastroesophageal re ux disease
(GERD). Which food or beverage should the nurse recommend to minimize heartburn?
A. Orange juice
B. Decaffeinated coffee
C. Peppermint
D. Potatoes
fl fl
, Correct Answer: D. Potatoes
Rationale: Potatoes are a low-acid, non-irritating food that is less likely to trigger heartburn in
clients with GERD. Orange juice is acidic, decaffeinated coffee can still relax the lower
esophageal sphincter, and peppermint may exacerbate re ux.
Relevant Information: Clients with GERD should avoid trigger foods like citrus, caffeine, and
spicy or fatty foods, and eat smaller, frequent meals to reduce symptoms.
Question 3
A nurse is caring for a client with a BMI of 30. Four weeks after counseling, which nding
indicates the plan was followed?
A. BMI of 25
B. Weight gain of 1.8 kg
C. BMI of 33
D. Weight loss of 2.7 kg
Correct Answer: D. Weight loss of 2.7 kg
Rationale: A BMI of 30 indicates obesity, and a weight loss of 2.7 kg (approximately 6 lbs) over
four weeks re ects adherence to a weight loss plan, aiming for a safe rate of 0.5–1 kg per week.
A BMI of 25 is unrealistic in four weeks, weight gain is counterproductive, and a BMI of 33
indicates weight gain.
Relevant Information: Safe weight loss involves a balanced diet and exercise, with gradual
reductions in BMI to achieve a healthy range (18.5–24.9).
Question 4
A nurse is caring for a client who follows Orthodox Judaism dietary laws. Which meal
should be requested?
A. Turkey and cheese sandwich
fl fl fi
, B. Spaghetti with tomato sauce
C. Pork chop and applesauce
D. Scrambled eggs and bacon
Correct Answer: B. Spaghetti with tomato sauce
Rationale: Orthodox Judaism dietary laws (Kashrut) prohibit pork and mixing dairy with meat.
Spaghetti with tomato sauce is a kosher option, while the other meals contain non-kosher items
(pork, bacon, or dairy with meat).
Relevant Information: Nurses must respect cultural and religious dietary preferences, ensuring
meals comply with kosher or other speci c dietary restrictions.
Question 5
A nurse at a long-term care facility is promoting food intake in an older adult client. Which
strategy should be implemented?
A. Offer sugar substitutes
B. Provide three large meals
C. Provide entertainment while eating
D. Offer nger foods at mealtime
Correct Answer: D. Offer nger foods at mealtime
Rationale: Finger foods are easier for older adults with reduced dexterity or appetite to manage,
promoting independence and intake. Sugar substitutes don’t address intake, large meals may
overwhelm, and entertainment can distract from eating.
Relevant Information: Older adults may bene t from small, frequent meals and foods that are
easy to eat, especially if they have physical or cognitive impairments.
Question 6
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, For which client should the nurse plan to administer total parenteral nutrition (TPN)?
A. Postoperative laminectomy patient on IV PCA
B. Client with dysphagia and unrecognized family
C. COPD client going home with oxygen
D. Client with colon cancer undergoing hemicolectomy
Correct Answer: (Not explicitly marked, but likely B based on context)
Rationale: TPN is indicated for clients unable to tolerate enteral nutrition, such as those with
severe dysphagia and no support for alternative feeding methods. The other clients may not
require TPN, as they can likely tolerate oral or enteral feeding.
Relevant Information: TPN is used for conditions like severe malnutrition, bowel obstruction,
or prolonged inability to eat, requiring careful monitoring for complications like hyperglycemia.
Question 7
A client reports paresthesia of the hands and feet. Which dietary de ciency does this
indicate?
A. Iron
B. Ribo avin
C. Vitamin C
D. Vitamin B12
Correct Answer: D. Vitamin B12
Rationale: Vitamin B12 de ciency can cause neurological symptoms like paresthesia due to its
role in nerve function and myelin synthesis. Iron de ciency causes anemia, ribo avin de ciency
affects mucous membranes, and vitamin C de ciency leads to scurvy.
Relevant Information: Vitamin B12 is found in animal products, and de ciency is common in
vegans or those with pernicious anemia, requiring supplementation.
Question 8
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (Question 1 to 70 with
correct answers and rationales)
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to teach a group of clients about vitamins and minerals. Which of the
following minerals is necessary for the transmission of nerve impulses?
A. Phosphorus
B. Calcium
C. Chloride
D. Zinc
Correct Answer: B. Calcium
Rationale: Calcium is essential for nerve impulse transmission as it facilitates the release of
neurotransmitters at synapses. Phosphorus is involved in energy metabolism, chloride helps with
uid balance, and zinc supports immune function and wound healing.
Relevant Information: Calcium also plays a role in muscle contraction and blood clotting,
making it a critical mineral in overall physiological function.
Question 2
A nurse is providing dietary teaching to a client with gastroesophageal re ux disease
(GERD). Which food or beverage should the nurse recommend to minimize heartburn?
A. Orange juice
B. Decaffeinated coffee
C. Peppermint
D. Potatoes
fl fl
, Correct Answer: D. Potatoes
Rationale: Potatoes are a low-acid, non-irritating food that is less likely to trigger heartburn in
clients with GERD. Orange juice is acidic, decaffeinated coffee can still relax the lower
esophageal sphincter, and peppermint may exacerbate re ux.
Relevant Information: Clients with GERD should avoid trigger foods like citrus, caffeine, and
spicy or fatty foods, and eat smaller, frequent meals to reduce symptoms.
Question 3
A nurse is caring for a client with a BMI of 30. Four weeks after counseling, which nding
indicates the plan was followed?
A. BMI of 25
B. Weight gain of 1.8 kg
C. BMI of 33
D. Weight loss of 2.7 kg
Correct Answer: D. Weight loss of 2.7 kg
Rationale: A BMI of 30 indicates obesity, and a weight loss of 2.7 kg (approximately 6 lbs) over
four weeks re ects adherence to a weight loss plan, aiming for a safe rate of 0.5–1 kg per week.
A BMI of 25 is unrealistic in four weeks, weight gain is counterproductive, and a BMI of 33
indicates weight gain.
Relevant Information: Safe weight loss involves a balanced diet and exercise, with gradual
reductions in BMI to achieve a healthy range (18.5–24.9).
Question 4
A nurse is caring for a client who follows Orthodox Judaism dietary laws. Which meal
should be requested?
A. Turkey and cheese sandwich
fl fl fi
, B. Spaghetti with tomato sauce
C. Pork chop and applesauce
D. Scrambled eggs and bacon
Correct Answer: B. Spaghetti with tomato sauce
Rationale: Orthodox Judaism dietary laws (Kashrut) prohibit pork and mixing dairy with meat.
Spaghetti with tomato sauce is a kosher option, while the other meals contain non-kosher items
(pork, bacon, or dairy with meat).
Relevant Information: Nurses must respect cultural and religious dietary preferences, ensuring
meals comply with kosher or other speci c dietary restrictions.
Question 5
A nurse at a long-term care facility is promoting food intake in an older adult client. Which
strategy should be implemented?
A. Offer sugar substitutes
B. Provide three large meals
C. Provide entertainment while eating
D. Offer nger foods at mealtime
Correct Answer: D. Offer nger foods at mealtime
Rationale: Finger foods are easier for older adults with reduced dexterity or appetite to manage,
promoting independence and intake. Sugar substitutes don’t address intake, large meals may
overwhelm, and entertainment can distract from eating.
Relevant Information: Older adults may bene t from small, frequent meals and foods that are
easy to eat, especially if they have physical or cognitive impairments.
Question 6
fi fi fi fi
, For which client should the nurse plan to administer total parenteral nutrition (TPN)?
A. Postoperative laminectomy patient on IV PCA
B. Client with dysphagia and unrecognized family
C. COPD client going home with oxygen
D. Client with colon cancer undergoing hemicolectomy
Correct Answer: (Not explicitly marked, but likely B based on context)
Rationale: TPN is indicated for clients unable to tolerate enteral nutrition, such as those with
severe dysphagia and no support for alternative feeding methods. The other clients may not
require TPN, as they can likely tolerate oral or enteral feeding.
Relevant Information: TPN is used for conditions like severe malnutrition, bowel obstruction,
or prolonged inability to eat, requiring careful monitoring for complications like hyperglycemia.
Question 7
A client reports paresthesia of the hands and feet. Which dietary de ciency does this
indicate?
A. Iron
B. Ribo avin
C. Vitamin C
D. Vitamin B12
Correct Answer: D. Vitamin B12
Rationale: Vitamin B12 de ciency can cause neurological symptoms like paresthesia due to its
role in nerve function and myelin synthesis. Iron de ciency causes anemia, ribo avin de ciency
affects mucous membranes, and vitamin C de ciency leads to scurvy.
Relevant Information: Vitamin B12 is found in animal products, and de ciency is common in
vegans or those with pernicious anemia, requiring supplementation.
Question 8
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