1|Page
ATI NUTRITION PROCTORED
ACTUAL EXAM (2025 EDITION) 200
Original Questions Answers in Bold
Complete Rationales
Overview
This 200-question ATI-style practice exam helps nursing students review essential
nutrition concepts aligned with the ATI Nutrition for Nursing proctored test.
All items are original, created for study and review — not real ATI exam content.
Topics Covered:
Basic nutrients and metabolism
Therapeutic diets (renal, cardiac, diabetic, GI, etc.)
Enteral and parenteral nutrition
Lab interpretation and deficiency signs
Vitamins, minerals, and supplements
Cultural and ethical nutrition care
Pregnancy, lactation, pediatric, and geriatric nutrition
Client education and safety
1.
A nurse is reinforcing dietary teaching for a client who has iron-deficiency
anemia. Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend to increase
iron absorption?
A. Whole milk
B. Coffee
C. Orange juice
D. Black tea
Rationale: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) enhances iron absorption; citrus juices are
ideal when taken with iron sources.
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2.
A nurse is caring for a client on a low-sodium diet. Which meal selection indicates
understanding of dietary restrictions?
A. Ham sandwich with cheese
B. Tomato soup
C. Grilled chicken with steamed broccoli
D. Canned vegetables
Rationale: Fresh or grilled foods without added salt are appropriate for low-
sodium diets; processed or canned foods are high in sodium.
3.
A nurse is providing nutrition education for a client with celiac disease. Which of
the following should the client avoid?
A. Rice
B. Barley
C. Corn
D. Quinoa
Rationale: Gluten is found in wheat, barley, and rye; rice, corn, and quinoa are
gluten-free options.
4.
Which laboratory result indicates protein malnutrition?
A. Elevated serum calcium
B. Low serum albumin
C. High sodium
D. Elevated hematocrit
Rationale: Serum albumin below normal reflects inadequate protein intake or
synthesis.
5.
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A nurse is reinforcing teaching for a client on warfarin (Coumadin) therapy.
Which food should the client limit?
A. Bananas
B. Spinach
C. Oranges
D. Apples
Rationale: Spinach is high in vitamin K, which decreases warfarin’s anticoagulant
effect.
6.
A client receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) develops restlessness and
confusion. The nurse should suspect:
A. Infection
B. Hypoglycemia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Dehydration
Rationale: Sudden TPN interruption can cause hypoglycemia due to excess insulin
circulating.
7.
A nurse reinforces teaching for a client with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The
client should limit intake of:
A. Simple carbohydrates
B. Protein and phosphorus
C. Vitamin C
D. Sodium bicarbonate
Rationale: CKD clients restrict protein, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium to
reduce renal workload.
8.
Which food combination provides a complete protein for a vegetarian client?
A. Rice and beans
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B. Peanut butter and celery
C. Corn and black beans
D. Wheat toast and jam
Rationale: Combining grains and legumes supplies all essential amino acids.
9.
A nurse is caring for a client with dumping syndrome after gastric surgery. Which
instruction should the nurse provide?
A. Drink fluids with meals
B. Lie down after meals
C. Eat high-carbohydrate foods
D. Consume three large meals
Rationale: Lying down after meals slows gastric emptying and reduces symptoms
of dumping syndrome.
10.
A nurse is educating a client with hypertension about the DASH diet. Which meal
reflects appropriate understanding?
A. Grilled salmon, brown rice, and steamed vegetables
B. Fried chicken and mashed potatoes
C. Pizza with extra cheese
D. Bacon and eggs
Rationale: DASH diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean
proteins with minimal sodium and saturated fat.
11.
A nurse is reinforcing teaching for a client taking levothyroxine. Which food
should the nurse tell the client to avoid within one hour of the medication?
A. Soy milk
B. Orange juice
C. Chicken broth
D. Applesauce
ATI NUTRITION PROCTORED
ACTUAL EXAM (2025 EDITION) 200
Original Questions Answers in Bold
Complete Rationales
Overview
This 200-question ATI-style practice exam helps nursing students review essential
nutrition concepts aligned with the ATI Nutrition for Nursing proctored test.
All items are original, created for study and review — not real ATI exam content.
Topics Covered:
Basic nutrients and metabolism
Therapeutic diets (renal, cardiac, diabetic, GI, etc.)
Enteral and parenteral nutrition
Lab interpretation and deficiency signs
Vitamins, minerals, and supplements
Cultural and ethical nutrition care
Pregnancy, lactation, pediatric, and geriatric nutrition
Client education and safety
1.
A nurse is reinforcing dietary teaching for a client who has iron-deficiency
anemia. Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend to increase
iron absorption?
A. Whole milk
B. Coffee
C. Orange juice
D. Black tea
Rationale: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) enhances iron absorption; citrus juices are
ideal when taken with iron sources.
,2|Page
2.
A nurse is caring for a client on a low-sodium diet. Which meal selection indicates
understanding of dietary restrictions?
A. Ham sandwich with cheese
B. Tomato soup
C. Grilled chicken with steamed broccoli
D. Canned vegetables
Rationale: Fresh or grilled foods without added salt are appropriate for low-
sodium diets; processed or canned foods are high in sodium.
3.
A nurse is providing nutrition education for a client with celiac disease. Which of
the following should the client avoid?
A. Rice
B. Barley
C. Corn
D. Quinoa
Rationale: Gluten is found in wheat, barley, and rye; rice, corn, and quinoa are
gluten-free options.
4.
Which laboratory result indicates protein malnutrition?
A. Elevated serum calcium
B. Low serum albumin
C. High sodium
D. Elevated hematocrit
Rationale: Serum albumin below normal reflects inadequate protein intake or
synthesis.
5.
,3|Page
A nurse is reinforcing teaching for a client on warfarin (Coumadin) therapy.
Which food should the client limit?
A. Bananas
B. Spinach
C. Oranges
D. Apples
Rationale: Spinach is high in vitamin K, which decreases warfarin’s anticoagulant
effect.
6.
A client receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) develops restlessness and
confusion. The nurse should suspect:
A. Infection
B. Hypoglycemia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Dehydration
Rationale: Sudden TPN interruption can cause hypoglycemia due to excess insulin
circulating.
7.
A nurse reinforces teaching for a client with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The
client should limit intake of:
A. Simple carbohydrates
B. Protein and phosphorus
C. Vitamin C
D. Sodium bicarbonate
Rationale: CKD clients restrict protein, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium to
reduce renal workload.
8.
Which food combination provides a complete protein for a vegetarian client?
A. Rice and beans
, 4|Page
B. Peanut butter and celery
C. Corn and black beans
D. Wheat toast and jam
Rationale: Combining grains and legumes supplies all essential amino acids.
9.
A nurse is caring for a client with dumping syndrome after gastric surgery. Which
instruction should the nurse provide?
A. Drink fluids with meals
B. Lie down after meals
C. Eat high-carbohydrate foods
D. Consume three large meals
Rationale: Lying down after meals slows gastric emptying and reduces symptoms
of dumping syndrome.
10.
A nurse is educating a client with hypertension about the DASH diet. Which meal
reflects appropriate understanding?
A. Grilled salmon, brown rice, and steamed vegetables
B. Fried chicken and mashed potatoes
C. Pizza with extra cheese
D. Bacon and eggs
Rationale: DASH diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean
proteins with minimal sodium and saturated fat.
11.
A nurse is reinforcing teaching for a client taking levothyroxine. Which food
should the nurse tell the client to avoid within one hour of the medication?
A. Soy milk
B. Orange juice
C. Chicken broth
D. Applesauce
