Regulation Mastery: Basal Metabolic Rate
Dynamics, Energy Expenditure Balance,
Macronutrient Caloric Density, Indispensable
Amino Acid Physiology, Nitrogen Balance
Optimization, Cardiovascular Therapeutic Diets,
Dysphagia Safety Strategies, Enteral and
Parenteral Nutrition Management, Tube Placement
Verification, Aspiration Prevention Protocols,
Hyperglycemia Surveillance, Electrolyte Stability,
Life-Span Nutritional Requirements, Cultural
Dietary Integration, Obesity and BMI Classification,
Malnutrition Identification, Foodborne Pathogen
Recognition, Diabetic Lipid Control, Immune-
Supportive Nutrition, and Evidence-Based Clinical
Feeding Interventions Exam Questions Verified and
Provided with A+ Graded Rationales Latest
Updated 2026
A nurse is teaching about the energy needed at rest to maintain life-sustaining activities for a
specific period of time. What is the nurse discussing?
A. Resting energy expenditure (REE)
B. Basal metabolic rate (BMR)
C. Nutrient density
D. Nutrients
B. Basal metabolic rate (BMR)
The basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the energy needed at rest to maintain life-sustaining activities
for a specific period of time. The resting energy expenditure (REE), or resting metabolic rate, is
the amount of energy an individual needs to consume over a 24-hour period for the body to
maintain all of its internal working activities while at rest. Nutrients are the elements necessary
for body processes and function. Nutrient density is the proportion of essential nutrients to the
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,number of kilocalories. High-nutrient density foods provide a large number of nutrients in
relation to kilocalories.
In general, when a patient's energy requirements are completely met by kilocalorie (kcal) intake
in food, which assessment finding will the nurse observe?
A. Weight increases.
B. Weight decreases.
C. Weight does not change.
D. Weight fluctuates daily.
C. Weight does not change.
In general, when energy requirements are completely met by kilocalorie (kcal) intake in food,
weight does not change. When kilocalories ingested exceed a person's energy demands, the
individual gains weight. If kilocalories ingested fail to meet a person's energy requirement, the
individual loses weight. Fluid, not kilocalories, causes daily weight fluctuations.
A nurse is asked how many kcal per gram fats provided. How should the nurse answer?
A. 3
B. 4
C. 6
D. 9
D. 9
Fats (lipids) are the most calorie-dense nutrient, providing 9 kcal/g. Carbohydrates and protein
provide 4 kcal/g.
4. A nurse is teaching a patient about proteins that must be obtained through the diet and
cannot be synthesized in the body. Which term used by the patient indicates teaching is
successful?
A. Amino acids
B. Triglycerides
C. Dispensable amino acids
D. Indispensable amino acids
D. Indispensable amino acids
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, The body does not synthesize indispensable amino acids, so these need to be provided in the
diet. The simplest form of protein is the amino acid. The body synthesizes dispensable amino
acids. Triglycerides are made up of three fatty acids attached to a glycerol.
5. A nurse is caring for a patient with a postsurgical wound. When planning care, which goal will
be the priority?
A. Reduce dependent nitrogen balance.
B. Maintain negative nitrogen balance.
C. Promote positive nitrogen balance.
D. Facilitate neutral nitrogen balance.
C. Promote positive nitrogen balance.
When intake of nitrogen is greater than output, the body is in positive nitrogen balance. Positive
nitrogen balance is required for growth, normal pregnancy, maintenance of lean muscle mass
and vital organs, and wound healing. Negative nitrogen balance occurs when the body loses
more nitrogen than the body gains. Neutral nitrogen balance occurs when gain equals loss and
is not optimal for tissue healing. There is no such term as dependent nitrogen balance.
In providing diet education for a patient on a low-fat diet, which information is important for the
nurse to share?
A. Polyunsaturated fats should be less than 7% of the total calories.
B. Trans fat should be less than 7% of the total calories.
C. Unsaturated fats are found mostly in animal sources.
D. Saturated fats are found mostly in animal sources.
D. Saturated fats are found mostly in animal sources.
Most animal fats have high proportions of saturated fatty acids, whereas vegetable fats have
higher amounts of unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Linoleic acid, an unsaturated
fatty acid, is the only essential fatty acid in humans. Diet recommendations include limiting
saturated fat to less than 7% and trans fat to less than 1%.
A patient has a decreased gag reflex, left-sided weakness, and drooling. Which action will the
nurse take when feeding this patient?
A. Position in semi-Fowler's.
B. Flex head with chin tuck.
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