ATI RN NUTRITION COMPREHENSIVE
EXAM GUIDE QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS
,1. A nurse is teaching a client with Type 2 diabetes about
carbohydrate counting. Which statement by the client
indicates a need for further education?
A. "All carbohydrates impact my blood sugar levels."
B. "I can have 15 grams of carbohydrates per meal."
C. "I can eat as many carbohydrates as I want if I take my
insulin."
D. "I need to monitor my carbohydrate intake to manage my
diabetes."
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Consuming excessive carbohydrates
regardless of insulin intake leads to hyperglycemia;
carbohydrate counting requires consistent intake
management.
2. A nurse is counseling a pregnant woman about dietary
needs. What should the nurse emphasize as crucial during
pregnancy?
A. Increased intake of saturated fats
B. High protein intake
C. Consuming excess carbohydrates
D. Avoiding fruits and vegetables
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Pregnant women require increased protein
for fetal growth, tissue formation, and development.
3. A patient with heart failure is following a low-sodium diet.
Which food choice would be inappropriate for this patient?
A. Fresh fruit
B. Canned vegetables
, C. Unseasoned rice
D. Grilled chicken
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Canned vegetables often contain high sodium
as a preservative, worsening fluid retention in heart failure.
4. A nurse assesses a patient for signs of malnutrition. Which
finding would the nurse expect?
A. Increased muscle mass
B. Healthy skin and hair
C. Edema and weight loss
D. Normal serum albumin levels
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Edema and weight loss are classic signs of
malnutrition due to protein deficiency and muscle wasting.
5. When educating a patient about iron-rich foods, which item
should the nurse recommend to enhance iron absorption?
A. Whole grain bread
B. Spinach salad
C. Glass of orange juice
D. Low-fat yogurt
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Vitamin C in orange juice enhances non-heme
iron absorption from plant sources.
, 6. A client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4 is on a
renal diet. Which nutrient should be restricted?
A. Carbohydrates
B. Protein
C. Vitamin C
D. Fiber
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: CKD stages 3-4 require protein restriction to
reduce uremic toxin accumulation.
7. Which vitamin deficiency is most common in older adults
with limited sun exposure?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin D
C. Vitamin B12
D. Vitamin K
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Limited sun exposure reduces vitamin D
synthesis; older adults also have decreased absorption.
8. A patient with GERD is receiving dietary teaching. Which
instruction should the nurse include?
A. Eat large meals before bedtime
B. Avoid caffeine and chocolate
C. Drink fluids with meals
D. Lie down after eating
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Caffeine, chocolate, and mint relax the lower
esophageal sphincter, worsening GERD.
EXAM GUIDE QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS
,1. A nurse is teaching a client with Type 2 diabetes about
carbohydrate counting. Which statement by the client
indicates a need for further education?
A. "All carbohydrates impact my blood sugar levels."
B. "I can have 15 grams of carbohydrates per meal."
C. "I can eat as many carbohydrates as I want if I take my
insulin."
D. "I need to monitor my carbohydrate intake to manage my
diabetes."
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Consuming excessive carbohydrates
regardless of insulin intake leads to hyperglycemia;
carbohydrate counting requires consistent intake
management.
2. A nurse is counseling a pregnant woman about dietary
needs. What should the nurse emphasize as crucial during
pregnancy?
A. Increased intake of saturated fats
B. High protein intake
C. Consuming excess carbohydrates
D. Avoiding fruits and vegetables
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Pregnant women require increased protein
for fetal growth, tissue formation, and development.
3. A patient with heart failure is following a low-sodium diet.
Which food choice would be inappropriate for this patient?
A. Fresh fruit
B. Canned vegetables
, C. Unseasoned rice
D. Grilled chicken
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Canned vegetables often contain high sodium
as a preservative, worsening fluid retention in heart failure.
4. A nurse assesses a patient for signs of malnutrition. Which
finding would the nurse expect?
A. Increased muscle mass
B. Healthy skin and hair
C. Edema and weight loss
D. Normal serum albumin levels
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Edema and weight loss are classic signs of
malnutrition due to protein deficiency and muscle wasting.
5. When educating a patient about iron-rich foods, which item
should the nurse recommend to enhance iron absorption?
A. Whole grain bread
B. Spinach salad
C. Glass of orange juice
D. Low-fat yogurt
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Vitamin C in orange juice enhances non-heme
iron absorption from plant sources.
, 6. A client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4 is on a
renal diet. Which nutrient should be restricted?
A. Carbohydrates
B. Protein
C. Vitamin C
D. Fiber
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: CKD stages 3-4 require protein restriction to
reduce uremic toxin accumulation.
7. Which vitamin deficiency is most common in older adults
with limited sun exposure?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin D
C. Vitamin B12
D. Vitamin K
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Limited sun exposure reduces vitamin D
synthesis; older adults also have decreased absorption.
8. A patient with GERD is receiving dietary teaching. Which
instruction should the nurse include?
A. Eat large meals before bedtime
B. Avoid caffeine and chocolate
C. Drink fluids with meals
D. Lie down after eating
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Caffeine, chocolate, and mint relax the lower
esophageal sphincter, worsening GERD.
