WGU D440 NUTRITION OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT
Final Exam and Practice Exam
Comprehensive Questions and Correct Detailed Answers (Verified Answers) | Graded A+
Aligned with 2026-2027 WGU D440 Nutrition Curriculum Standards
150 Questions | 8 Sections | Scenario-Based and Application-Focused
Section 1: Macronutrients (Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids, and Energy Metabolism) -
Q1-30
Q1: A 28-year-old female patient reports experiencing bloating, diarrhea, and gas approximately 30 minutes after
consuming a bowl of ice cream. Her healthcare provider suspects lactose intolerance. Which of the following best
explains the underlying mechanism of this condition?
A. A. Autoimmune destruction of intestinal villi triggered by dairy proteins
B. B. Deficiency of the enzyme lactase, which impairs hydrolysis of lactose into glucose and galactose [CORRECT]
C. C. Excessive production of bile salts leading to malabsorption of dairy fats
D. D. Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine fermenting all dietary carbohydrates
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Lactose intolerance results from insufficient production of lactase, the brush border enzyme that hydrolyzes lactose into
glucose and galactose. Undigested lactose passes to the large intestine where bacteria ferment it, producing gas, bloating, and
diarrhea. Celiac disease involves autoimmune villi destruction (option A). Bile salt issues relate to fat malabsorption (option C), not
carbohydrate intolerance. Option D describes small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), a distinct condition.
Q2: Which of the following is classified as a soluble dietary fiber that has been shown to effectively lower serum
LDL cholesterol levels?
A. A. Cellulose
B. B. Hemicellulose
C. C. Pectin [CORRECT]
D. D. Lignin
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Pectin is a soluble fiber found in fruits such as apples and citrus. Soluble fibers form gel-like substances in the GI tract that
bind bile acids and promote their excretion, forcing the liver to use cholesterol to synthesize new bile acids, thereby lowering serum
LDL. Cellulose and hemicellulose are insoluble fibers that promote bowel regularity. Lignin is a non-carbohydrate structural
component that provides bulk but does not have the cholesterol-lowering effect of soluble fibers.
Q3: A registered dietitian is counseling a collegiate endurance athlete who consumes a diet in which 35% of total
calories come from protein. The athlete asks if this level of protein intake is appropriate. According to the AMDR and
sports nutrition guidelines, which response is most accurate?
A. A. The intake is within the AMDR range of 10-35% and may be beneficial for the athlete's recovery needs
[CORRECT]
B. B. The intake exceeds the safe upper limit and will cause kidney damage in healthy athletes
C. C. The intake is insufficient; endurance athletes require a minimum of 40% of calories from protein
D. D. The intake is appropriate only if the athlete also takes amino acid supplements to prevent deficiency
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) for protein is 10-35% of total calories. At 35%, this athlete is
at the upper end but still within the recommended range. Sports nutrition research supports protein intakes of 1.2-2.0 g/kg/day for
WGU D440 Nutrition OA Final Exam | Page 1
,athletes, which often translates to 15-25% of calories. There is no evidence that protein intake within the AMDR causes kidney
damage in healthy individuals (option B is a common misconception). Athletes do not need 40% of calories from protein (option C),
and supplements are not required at this intake level (option D).
Q4: A 4-year-old child living in a developing country presents with severe muscle wasting, visible rib outlines, and
minimal subcutaneous fat. The child's diet consists primarily of diluted cornmeal porridge with negligible protein or
fat content. This presentation is most consistent with which form of protein-energy malnutrition?
A. A. Kwashiorkor
B. B. Marasmus [CORRECT]
C. C. Scurvy
D. D. Pellagra
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Marasmus results from a severe deficiency of both calories and protein, leading to extreme wasting of muscle and fat
stores, visible bone prominence, and stunted growth. The child's diet of diluted cornmeal porridge provides inadequate total energy
and protein. Kwashiorkor (option A) involves protein deficiency with adequate calorie intake, presenting with edema, ascites, and a
fatty liver. Scurvy (option C) is vitamin C deficiency, and pellagra (option D) is niacin deficiency.
Q5: A nutrition student is analyzing the fatty acid profile of various cooking oils. Which of the following oils is the
richest source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential omega-3 fatty acid?
A. A. Olive oil
B. B. Safflower oil
C. C. Flaxseed oil [CORRECT]
D. D. Palm oil
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Flaxseed oil is one of the richest plant-based sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), providing approximately 55-60% of its
fatty acids as ALA. ALA is an essential omega-3 fatty acid that must be obtained from the diet. Olive oil (option A) is rich in oleic
acid (omega-9 monounsaturated fat). Safflower oil (option B) is high in linoleic acid (omega-6). Palm oil (option D) is high in
saturated fatty acids. While fatty fish are rich in EPA and DHA (longer-chain omega-3s), flaxseed oil is the best plant-based source
of ALA.
Q6: Which of the following correctly identifies all nine essential amino acids that cannot be synthesized by the human
body and must be obtained through dietary intake?
A. A. Alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartate, cysteine, glutamate, glutamine, glycine, proline
B. B. Histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine [CORRECT]
C. C. Glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, serine, tyrosine, cysteine, alanine, aspartate, glutamate
D. D. Branched-chain amino acids only: leucine, isoleucine, and valine, plus six non-essential amino acids
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nine essential amino acids are histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan,
and valine. These cannot be synthesized by the body or are synthesized in insufficient quantities. Option A lists nonessential amino
acids. Option C also lists primarily nonessential amino acids. Option D incorrectly suggests only three are essential; while leucine,
isoleucine, and valine are branched-chain essential amino acids (BCAAs), six additional essential amino acids are missing from this
list.
Q7: A client asks a dietitian how many calories are provided by a food item containing 20 grams of carbohydrates, 10
grams of protein, and 5 grams of fat. Which calculation is correct?
A. A. 140 kcal
B. B. 165 kcal [CORRECT]
C. C. 185 kcal
D. D. 200 kcal
WGU D440 Nutrition OA Final Exam | Page 2
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Atwater factors are: carbohydrates provide 4 kcal/g, protein provides 4 kcal/g, and fat provides 9 kcal/g. Calculation:
(20 g CHO x 4 kcal/g) + (10 g protein x 4 kcal/g) + (5 g fat x 9 kcal/g) = 80 + 40 + 45 = 165 kcal. Option A (140) incorrectly uses 4
kcal/g for fat. Option C (185) and Option D (200) use incorrect multipliers. Alcohol provides 7 kcal/g but is not present in this
calculation.
Q8: A patient with a triglyceride level of 280 mg/dL is advised to reduce trans fat consumption. Which of the
following best describes the mechanism by which trans fatty acids increase cardiovascular disease risk?
A. A. Trans fats increase HDL cholesterol while having no effect on LDL cholesterol
B. B. Trans fats raise LDL cholesterol, lower HDL cholesterol, and promote systemic inflammation [CORRECT]
C. C. Trans fats primarily increase VLDL production without affecting LDL or HDL
D. D. Trans fats are quickly metabolized for energy and do not accumulate in arterial walls
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Trans fatty acids, produced through hydrogenation of vegetable oils, raise LDL ('bad') cholesterol, lower HDL ('good')
cholesterol, and promote inflammatory pathways. This dual adverse effect on the lipid profile makes trans fats particularly
atherogenic. Option A is the opposite of the true effect. While trans fats do affect VLDL, option C understates their harm. Option D is
incorrect because trans fats are not beneficially metabolized and do contribute to atherosclerotic plaque formation.
Q9: A college student who follows a strict vegan diet is concerned about obtaining complete protein. Which of the
following plant-based protein sources is considered a complete protein, providing all nine essential amino acids in
adequate amounts?
A. A. Black beans
B. B. Brown rice
C. C. Soy products (tofu, tempeh, edamame) [CORRECT]
D. D. Peanuts
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Soy is one of the few plant-based complete proteins, containing all nine essential amino acids in proportions comparable to
animal proteins. Black beans (option A), brown rice (option B), and peanuts (option D) are incomplete proteins, each deficient in one
or more essential amino acids. Vegans can achieve complete amino acid profiles through complementary protein combining (e.g.,
beans and rice) or by consuming soy products regularly.
Q10: Which of the following correctly describes the role of glycogen in human metabolism?
A. A. Glycogen is the primary circulating form of glucose in the bloodstream
B. B. Glycogen is a polysaccharide storage form of glucose found in the liver and skeletal muscle [CORRECT]
C. C. Glycogen is a disaccharide composed of fructose and glucose units
D. D. Glycogen serves as the primary structural carbohydrate in plant cell walls
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Glycogen is the storage polysaccharide of glucose in animals, stored primarily in the liver (for blood glucose regulation)
and skeletal muscle (for local energy use during exercise). It is a highly branched polymer of glucose. Option A incorrectly describes
free glucose, not glycogen. Option C describes sucrose. Option D describes cellulose, the structural carbohydrate in plant cell walls.
Q11: A patient with type 2 diabetes is learning about the glycemic index (GI). Which of the following statements
about the glycemic index is most accurate?
A. A. Foods with a high GI always contain more total carbohydrates than low-GI foods
B. B. The GI measures how quickly a carbohydrate-containing food raises blood glucose levels compared to pure
glucose [CORRECT]
C. C. Low-GI foods are always higher in fiber than high-GI foods
D. D. The glycemic index accounts for the typical portion size consumed of each food
Correct Answer: B
WGU D440 Nutrition OA Final Exam | Page 3
, Rationale: The glycemic index is a numerical scale (0-100) that ranks carbohydrate-containing foods by how quickly they raise blood
glucose levels compared to a reference (usually pure glucose or white bread). High-GI foods (>70) cause rapid blood glucose spikes,
while low-GI foods (<55) cause slower, more gradual increases. Option A is incorrect because GI measures rate of absorption, not
total carbohydrate content. Option C is incorrect because fiber content is one factor but not the sole determinant of GI. Option D
describes glycemic load (GI x serving size), not glycemic index.
Q12: A hospitalized patient is in negative nitrogen balance. Which of the following clinical situations best explains
this finding?
A. A. A pregnant woman in her second trimester consuming adequate protein
B. B. A recovering athlete in a strength-training program consuming 1.8 g/kg/day of protein
C. C. A post-surgical patient with severe burns who is catabolic and underfed [CORRECT]
D. D. A healthy adult maintaining a stable weight on a balanced diet
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Negative nitrogen balance occurs when nitrogen excretion exceeds nitrogen intake, indicating that the body is breaking
down more protein than it is synthesizing. This occurs in catabolic states such as severe burns, trauma, infection, starvation, and
recovery from surgery. Options A and B describe positive nitrogen balance (anabolism exceeds catabolism), which is expected during
growth, pregnancy, and recovery with adequate nutrition. Option D describes nitrogen equilibrium, the normal state for a healthy
adult.
Q13: A nutrition educator is teaching a class about dietary fats. Which of the following correctly distinguishes
between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids?
A. A. Omega-3 fatty acids have their first double bond at the third carbon from the carboxyl end; omega-6 at the
sixth carbon from the methyl end [CORRECT]
B. B. Omega-6 fatty acids are only found in animal products; omega-3 only in plant sources
C. C. Omega-3 fatty acids are predominantly saturated; omega-6 fatty acids are polyunsaturated
D. D. The body can synthesize both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from carbohydrate precursors
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., ALA, EPA, DHA) have their first double bond three carbons from the methyl (omega) end of
the carbon chain, while omega-6 fatty acids (e.g., linoleic acid, arachidonic acid) have their first double bond six carbons from the
methyl end. Both are polyunsaturated essential fatty acids. Option B is incorrect because omega-6s are found in many plant oils
(soybean, corn), and omega-3s are found in both plants (flax, chia) and fish (salmon, mackerel). Option C is incorrect because both
are unsaturated. Option D is incorrect because both are essential and cannot be synthesized by the body.
Q14: A food manufacturer wants to add a functional fiber ingredient to a bread product to promote bowel regularity.
Which of the following fibers is classified as insoluble and would be most effective for this purpose?
A. A. Beta-glucan
B. B. Cellulose [CORRECT]
C. C. Pectin
D. D. Inulin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cellulose is an insoluble fiber that does not dissolve in water. It adds bulk to stool, accelerates intestinal transit time, and
promotes regular bowel movements. Beta-glucan (option A), pectin (option C), and inulin (option D) are all soluble fibers. Soluble
fibers dissolve in water to form gels that slow gastric emptying, lower cholesterol, and moderate blood glucose absorption, but they are
less effective than insoluble fibers at promoting bowel regularity.
Q15: Which of the following statements about cholesterol is correct?
A. A. Cholesterol is an essential nutrient that must be obtained entirely from animal products in the diet
B. B. Cholesterol is synthesized primarily in the liver and is a precursor for steroid hormones, bile acids, and
vitamin D [CORRECT]
WGU D440 Nutrition OA Final Exam | Page 4
Final Exam and Practice Exam
Comprehensive Questions and Correct Detailed Answers (Verified Answers) | Graded A+
Aligned with 2026-2027 WGU D440 Nutrition Curriculum Standards
150 Questions | 8 Sections | Scenario-Based and Application-Focused
Section 1: Macronutrients (Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids, and Energy Metabolism) -
Q1-30
Q1: A 28-year-old female patient reports experiencing bloating, diarrhea, and gas approximately 30 minutes after
consuming a bowl of ice cream. Her healthcare provider suspects lactose intolerance. Which of the following best
explains the underlying mechanism of this condition?
A. A. Autoimmune destruction of intestinal villi triggered by dairy proteins
B. B. Deficiency of the enzyme lactase, which impairs hydrolysis of lactose into glucose and galactose [CORRECT]
C. C. Excessive production of bile salts leading to malabsorption of dairy fats
D. D. Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine fermenting all dietary carbohydrates
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Lactose intolerance results from insufficient production of lactase, the brush border enzyme that hydrolyzes lactose into
glucose and galactose. Undigested lactose passes to the large intestine where bacteria ferment it, producing gas, bloating, and
diarrhea. Celiac disease involves autoimmune villi destruction (option A). Bile salt issues relate to fat malabsorption (option C), not
carbohydrate intolerance. Option D describes small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), a distinct condition.
Q2: Which of the following is classified as a soluble dietary fiber that has been shown to effectively lower serum
LDL cholesterol levels?
A. A. Cellulose
B. B. Hemicellulose
C. C. Pectin [CORRECT]
D. D. Lignin
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Pectin is a soluble fiber found in fruits such as apples and citrus. Soluble fibers form gel-like substances in the GI tract that
bind bile acids and promote their excretion, forcing the liver to use cholesterol to synthesize new bile acids, thereby lowering serum
LDL. Cellulose and hemicellulose are insoluble fibers that promote bowel regularity. Lignin is a non-carbohydrate structural
component that provides bulk but does not have the cholesterol-lowering effect of soluble fibers.
Q3: A registered dietitian is counseling a collegiate endurance athlete who consumes a diet in which 35% of total
calories come from protein. The athlete asks if this level of protein intake is appropriate. According to the AMDR and
sports nutrition guidelines, which response is most accurate?
A. A. The intake is within the AMDR range of 10-35% and may be beneficial for the athlete's recovery needs
[CORRECT]
B. B. The intake exceeds the safe upper limit and will cause kidney damage in healthy athletes
C. C. The intake is insufficient; endurance athletes require a minimum of 40% of calories from protein
D. D. The intake is appropriate only if the athlete also takes amino acid supplements to prevent deficiency
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) for protein is 10-35% of total calories. At 35%, this athlete is
at the upper end but still within the recommended range. Sports nutrition research supports protein intakes of 1.2-2.0 g/kg/day for
WGU D440 Nutrition OA Final Exam | Page 1
,athletes, which often translates to 15-25% of calories. There is no evidence that protein intake within the AMDR causes kidney
damage in healthy individuals (option B is a common misconception). Athletes do not need 40% of calories from protein (option C),
and supplements are not required at this intake level (option D).
Q4: A 4-year-old child living in a developing country presents with severe muscle wasting, visible rib outlines, and
minimal subcutaneous fat. The child's diet consists primarily of diluted cornmeal porridge with negligible protein or
fat content. This presentation is most consistent with which form of protein-energy malnutrition?
A. A. Kwashiorkor
B. B. Marasmus [CORRECT]
C. C. Scurvy
D. D. Pellagra
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Marasmus results from a severe deficiency of both calories and protein, leading to extreme wasting of muscle and fat
stores, visible bone prominence, and stunted growth. The child's diet of diluted cornmeal porridge provides inadequate total energy
and protein. Kwashiorkor (option A) involves protein deficiency with adequate calorie intake, presenting with edema, ascites, and a
fatty liver. Scurvy (option C) is vitamin C deficiency, and pellagra (option D) is niacin deficiency.
Q5: A nutrition student is analyzing the fatty acid profile of various cooking oils. Which of the following oils is the
richest source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential omega-3 fatty acid?
A. A. Olive oil
B. B. Safflower oil
C. C. Flaxseed oil [CORRECT]
D. D. Palm oil
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Flaxseed oil is one of the richest plant-based sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), providing approximately 55-60% of its
fatty acids as ALA. ALA is an essential omega-3 fatty acid that must be obtained from the diet. Olive oil (option A) is rich in oleic
acid (omega-9 monounsaturated fat). Safflower oil (option B) is high in linoleic acid (omega-6). Palm oil (option D) is high in
saturated fatty acids. While fatty fish are rich in EPA and DHA (longer-chain omega-3s), flaxseed oil is the best plant-based source
of ALA.
Q6: Which of the following correctly identifies all nine essential amino acids that cannot be synthesized by the human
body and must be obtained through dietary intake?
A. A. Alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartate, cysteine, glutamate, glutamine, glycine, proline
B. B. Histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine [CORRECT]
C. C. Glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, serine, tyrosine, cysteine, alanine, aspartate, glutamate
D. D. Branched-chain amino acids only: leucine, isoleucine, and valine, plus six non-essential amino acids
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nine essential amino acids are histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan,
and valine. These cannot be synthesized by the body or are synthesized in insufficient quantities. Option A lists nonessential amino
acids. Option C also lists primarily nonessential amino acids. Option D incorrectly suggests only three are essential; while leucine,
isoleucine, and valine are branched-chain essential amino acids (BCAAs), six additional essential amino acids are missing from this
list.
Q7: A client asks a dietitian how many calories are provided by a food item containing 20 grams of carbohydrates, 10
grams of protein, and 5 grams of fat. Which calculation is correct?
A. A. 140 kcal
B. B. 165 kcal [CORRECT]
C. C. 185 kcal
D. D. 200 kcal
WGU D440 Nutrition OA Final Exam | Page 2
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Atwater factors are: carbohydrates provide 4 kcal/g, protein provides 4 kcal/g, and fat provides 9 kcal/g. Calculation:
(20 g CHO x 4 kcal/g) + (10 g protein x 4 kcal/g) + (5 g fat x 9 kcal/g) = 80 + 40 + 45 = 165 kcal. Option A (140) incorrectly uses 4
kcal/g for fat. Option C (185) and Option D (200) use incorrect multipliers. Alcohol provides 7 kcal/g but is not present in this
calculation.
Q8: A patient with a triglyceride level of 280 mg/dL is advised to reduce trans fat consumption. Which of the
following best describes the mechanism by which trans fatty acids increase cardiovascular disease risk?
A. A. Trans fats increase HDL cholesterol while having no effect on LDL cholesterol
B. B. Trans fats raise LDL cholesterol, lower HDL cholesterol, and promote systemic inflammation [CORRECT]
C. C. Trans fats primarily increase VLDL production without affecting LDL or HDL
D. D. Trans fats are quickly metabolized for energy and do not accumulate in arterial walls
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Trans fatty acids, produced through hydrogenation of vegetable oils, raise LDL ('bad') cholesterol, lower HDL ('good')
cholesterol, and promote inflammatory pathways. This dual adverse effect on the lipid profile makes trans fats particularly
atherogenic. Option A is the opposite of the true effect. While trans fats do affect VLDL, option C understates their harm. Option D is
incorrect because trans fats are not beneficially metabolized and do contribute to atherosclerotic plaque formation.
Q9: A college student who follows a strict vegan diet is concerned about obtaining complete protein. Which of the
following plant-based protein sources is considered a complete protein, providing all nine essential amino acids in
adequate amounts?
A. A. Black beans
B. B. Brown rice
C. C. Soy products (tofu, tempeh, edamame) [CORRECT]
D. D. Peanuts
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Soy is one of the few plant-based complete proteins, containing all nine essential amino acids in proportions comparable to
animal proteins. Black beans (option A), brown rice (option B), and peanuts (option D) are incomplete proteins, each deficient in one
or more essential amino acids. Vegans can achieve complete amino acid profiles through complementary protein combining (e.g.,
beans and rice) or by consuming soy products regularly.
Q10: Which of the following correctly describes the role of glycogen in human metabolism?
A. A. Glycogen is the primary circulating form of glucose in the bloodstream
B. B. Glycogen is a polysaccharide storage form of glucose found in the liver and skeletal muscle [CORRECT]
C. C. Glycogen is a disaccharide composed of fructose and glucose units
D. D. Glycogen serves as the primary structural carbohydrate in plant cell walls
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Glycogen is the storage polysaccharide of glucose in animals, stored primarily in the liver (for blood glucose regulation)
and skeletal muscle (for local energy use during exercise). It is a highly branched polymer of glucose. Option A incorrectly describes
free glucose, not glycogen. Option C describes sucrose. Option D describes cellulose, the structural carbohydrate in plant cell walls.
Q11: A patient with type 2 diabetes is learning about the glycemic index (GI). Which of the following statements
about the glycemic index is most accurate?
A. A. Foods with a high GI always contain more total carbohydrates than low-GI foods
B. B. The GI measures how quickly a carbohydrate-containing food raises blood glucose levels compared to pure
glucose [CORRECT]
C. C. Low-GI foods are always higher in fiber than high-GI foods
D. D. The glycemic index accounts for the typical portion size consumed of each food
Correct Answer: B
WGU D440 Nutrition OA Final Exam | Page 3
, Rationale: The glycemic index is a numerical scale (0-100) that ranks carbohydrate-containing foods by how quickly they raise blood
glucose levels compared to a reference (usually pure glucose or white bread). High-GI foods (>70) cause rapid blood glucose spikes,
while low-GI foods (<55) cause slower, more gradual increases. Option A is incorrect because GI measures rate of absorption, not
total carbohydrate content. Option C is incorrect because fiber content is one factor but not the sole determinant of GI. Option D
describes glycemic load (GI x serving size), not glycemic index.
Q12: A hospitalized patient is in negative nitrogen balance. Which of the following clinical situations best explains
this finding?
A. A. A pregnant woman in her second trimester consuming adequate protein
B. B. A recovering athlete in a strength-training program consuming 1.8 g/kg/day of protein
C. C. A post-surgical patient with severe burns who is catabolic and underfed [CORRECT]
D. D. A healthy adult maintaining a stable weight on a balanced diet
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Negative nitrogen balance occurs when nitrogen excretion exceeds nitrogen intake, indicating that the body is breaking
down more protein than it is synthesizing. This occurs in catabolic states such as severe burns, trauma, infection, starvation, and
recovery from surgery. Options A and B describe positive nitrogen balance (anabolism exceeds catabolism), which is expected during
growth, pregnancy, and recovery with adequate nutrition. Option D describes nitrogen equilibrium, the normal state for a healthy
adult.
Q13: A nutrition educator is teaching a class about dietary fats. Which of the following correctly distinguishes
between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids?
A. A. Omega-3 fatty acids have their first double bond at the third carbon from the carboxyl end; omega-6 at the
sixth carbon from the methyl end [CORRECT]
B. B. Omega-6 fatty acids are only found in animal products; omega-3 only in plant sources
C. C. Omega-3 fatty acids are predominantly saturated; omega-6 fatty acids are polyunsaturated
D. D. The body can synthesize both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from carbohydrate precursors
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., ALA, EPA, DHA) have their first double bond three carbons from the methyl (omega) end of
the carbon chain, while omega-6 fatty acids (e.g., linoleic acid, arachidonic acid) have their first double bond six carbons from the
methyl end. Both are polyunsaturated essential fatty acids. Option B is incorrect because omega-6s are found in many plant oils
(soybean, corn), and omega-3s are found in both plants (flax, chia) and fish (salmon, mackerel). Option C is incorrect because both
are unsaturated. Option D is incorrect because both are essential and cannot be synthesized by the body.
Q14: A food manufacturer wants to add a functional fiber ingredient to a bread product to promote bowel regularity.
Which of the following fibers is classified as insoluble and would be most effective for this purpose?
A. A. Beta-glucan
B. B. Cellulose [CORRECT]
C. C. Pectin
D. D. Inulin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cellulose is an insoluble fiber that does not dissolve in water. It adds bulk to stool, accelerates intestinal transit time, and
promotes regular bowel movements. Beta-glucan (option A), pectin (option C), and inulin (option D) are all soluble fibers. Soluble
fibers dissolve in water to form gels that slow gastric emptying, lower cholesterol, and moderate blood glucose absorption, but they are
less effective than insoluble fibers at promoting bowel regularity.
Q15: Which of the following statements about cholesterol is correct?
A. A. Cholesterol is an essential nutrient that must be obtained entirely from animal products in the diet
B. B. Cholesterol is synthesized primarily in the liver and is a precursor for steroid hormones, bile acids, and
vitamin D [CORRECT]
WGU D440 Nutrition OA Final Exam | Page 4
