ATI Nutrition Actual Exam 2026/2027 |
Verified Questions
Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) / Chamberlain Nursing Curriculum | Verified
Q&A | Professional Nursing Students
This comprehensive actual exam set contains exactly 120 original, verified questions constructed to
reinforce the official ATI Nutrition course objectives for the 2026/2027 curriculum. The content is
organized across four high-yield domains: High-Yield Lifespan Nutrition, Clinical Nutrition and
Therapeutic Diets, Laboratory Values and Nutritional Assessment, and Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition
Management. Each domain contains 30 questions drawn from distinct sub-topics, so every question
evaluates a separate body of knowledge with no duplication across the examination. The items are
designed for University-Level and Professional nursing students who are working toward the actual exam,
and each question is paired with a rationale grounded in the official ATI Nutrition for Nursing content,
foundational nursing nutrition textbooks, and current evidence-based clinical practice guidelines.
Working through all 120 questions will strengthen clinical assessment, dietary planning, and nutrition
management skills required for real-world nursing proficiency and actual exam readiness.
Domain: High-Yield Lifespan Nutrition
1. A client who is planning to conceive asks which daily amount of folic acid is advised to
reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Which response is correct?
A. Take 400 mcg of folic acid daily beginning before conception and continuing through the first
trimester.
B. Obtain folic acid solely from dietary sources with no supplement.
C. Take 1000 mcg of folic acid only after a positive pregnancy result.
D. Begin folic acid only at the onset of the second trimester.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The recommendation for women planning to conceive is 400 mcg of folic acid daily,
ideally starting before conception, because closure of the neural tube occurs very early in gestation
before many clients know they are pregnant. This aligns with the ATI Nutrition for Nursing
prenatal folate guidance.
2. During the second and third trimesters, why does the recommended intake of dietary
iron increase markedly?
A. Iron is required for expanding maternal blood volume, fetal iron stores, and hemoglobin
synthesis.
B. Iron supports only fetal tooth enamel formation.
C. Iron acts as a laxative to prevent pregnancy constipation.
D. Iron is not absorbed during pregnancy and requires no adjustment.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The rise in iron requirements during pregnancy reflects expanded maternal red blood
cell mass, fetal iron storage, and the growing fetus, so the recommendation increases above the
nonpregnant value. The ATI curriculum highlights prenatal iron to prevent anemia.
3. A pregnant client reports a strong craving for ice, clay, and starch. Which nursing
consideration applies?
A. The client may have iron deficiency, and cravings for nonfood items suggest pica.
ATI Nutrition Actual Exam 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
, B. The craving indicates excess zinc and requires immediate withdrawal.
C. This behavior is normal and requires no nutritional follow-up.
D. The client should avoid all grains to reduce the craving.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pica, the persistent craving of nonfood substances such as ice, clay, or starch, is
associated with iron deficiency during pregnancy. A provider should be notified so iron status can
be assessed. This follows the ATI prenatal nutrition guidance on abnormal cravings.
4. For a client who is exclusively breastfeeding, approximately how many additional
kilocalories per day are generally needed to support milk production?
A. Only the calories from pregnancy should be maintained at pre-pregnancy levels.
B. About 25 to 50 additional kcal per day is sufficient.
C. About 330 to 500 additional kcal per day above pre-pregnancy needs.
D. No additional calories are needed while breastfeeding.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Lactation raises energy needs by roughly 330 to 500 kcal per day, depending on
output, to support milk synthesis. This matches the ATI maternal nutrition guidance on calorie
adjustment during breastfeeding.
5. The mother of a full-term newborn asks how long to exclusively breastfeed. Which
evidence-based recommendation should the nurse give?
A. Introduce solid foods at 3 months alongside breast milk.
B. Provide breast milk exclusively for the first 6 months of life.
C. Switch to whole cow's milk by 4 months of age.
D. Provide breast milk exclusively for the first 2 weeks only.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Major organizations recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months,
followed by continued breastfeeding with complementary foods. The ATI pediatric nutrition
framework reinforces this timeline.
6. A breastfeeding mother asks about vitamin D for her breastfed infant. Which guidance is
correct?
A. The infant should receive 1200 IU of vitamin D each week.
B. Breast milk is low in vitamin D, so the infant needs a 400 IU supplement daily.
C. Breast milk supplies all vitamin D the infant requires.
D. Vitamin D is needed only after the first year of life.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Human milk provides limited vitamin D, so a daily 400 IU supplement is recommended
for breastfed infants. This is consistent with ATI's infant nutrition emphasis on vitamin D
supplementation.
7. At what age should whole cow's milk generally be introduced as the primary milk source
for an infant?
A. At 4 months of age.
B. At 12 months of age.
C. At 8 months of age.
D. Immediately after birth.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Whole cow's milk is generally introduced as the primary milk source at 12 months of
age, because earlier introduction can increase the risk of iron deficiency and excess renal solute
load. This follows the ATI lifespan feeding schedule.
8. Why should honey be withheld from infants younger than 12 months of age?
A. Honey causes dental caries only in infants under 6 months.
ATI Nutrition Actual Exam 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
, B. Honey provides excessive sodium to young infants.
C. Honey may contain Clostridium botulinum spores, increasing the risk of infant botulism.
D. Honey is too acidic for the infant stomach.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Honey is avoided in the first year of life because it can contain Clostridium botulinum
spores that the immature infant gut cannot clear, posing a risk of infant botulism. The ATI infant
feeding safety guidance lists honey as a hazard.
9. A toddler is at higher risk for aspiration of which commonly offered foods?
A. Cooked cereal, strained fruit, and scrambled egg.
B. Pureed squash, rice cereal, and banana.
C. Mashed potatoes, yogurt, and applesauce.
D. Whole grapes, hot dog pieces, and popcorn.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Small, round, or hard foods such as whole grapes, hot dog pieces, popcorn, and nuts
are common choking hazards in toddlers. The ATI pediatric safety content advises cutting or
avoiding these foods.
10. A general rule of thumb for serving sizes at a toddler meal is which of the following?
A. Unlimited portions of protein foods only.
B. Approximately 1 tablespoon of each food per year of age.
C. One cup of every food offered at each meal.
D. Half the portion an adult consumes regardless of age.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A common guideline is about 1 tablespoon of each food per year of age for toddlers,
because their stomach capacity is small and energy needs are high relative to body size. This
aligns with ATI toddler feeding recommendations.
11. A preschool-age child's typical eating pattern that the nurse should anticipate is which
of the following?
A. Reluctance to ever touch or taste any new food.
B. Fluctuating appetite with food refusal and strong food preferences.
C. A continuously increasing appetite requiring double adult portions.
D. Complete self-selection of a fully balanced diet every day.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Preschoolers commonly show erratic appetites, neophobia, and strong preferences;
caregivers are advised to offer a variety of foods and avoid force-feeding. The ATI preschool
nutrition content describes this feeding behavior.
12. For a school-age child, which dietary emphasis supports achieving peak bone mass?
A. Avoiding all fortified foods.
B. Restricting all dairy to prevent weight gain.
C. Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D through childhood and adolescence.
D. A high-sodium diet to support growth hormone.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Peak bone mass is built during childhood and adolescence, and adequate calcium with
vitamin D is central to bone health. This is emphasized in ATI school-age nutrition guidance.
13. During adolescence, iron requirements increase most sharply in which group?
A. Adolescent males because of a decline in lean body mass.
B. Only sedentary adolescents, independent of puberty.
C. Both sexes equally with no growth-related increase.
D. Adolescent females because of growth and menstrual losses.
ATI Nutrition Actual Exam 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
Verified Questions
Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) / Chamberlain Nursing Curriculum | Verified
Q&A | Professional Nursing Students
This comprehensive actual exam set contains exactly 120 original, verified questions constructed to
reinforce the official ATI Nutrition course objectives for the 2026/2027 curriculum. The content is
organized across four high-yield domains: High-Yield Lifespan Nutrition, Clinical Nutrition and
Therapeutic Diets, Laboratory Values and Nutritional Assessment, and Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition
Management. Each domain contains 30 questions drawn from distinct sub-topics, so every question
evaluates a separate body of knowledge with no duplication across the examination. The items are
designed for University-Level and Professional nursing students who are working toward the actual exam,
and each question is paired with a rationale grounded in the official ATI Nutrition for Nursing content,
foundational nursing nutrition textbooks, and current evidence-based clinical practice guidelines.
Working through all 120 questions will strengthen clinical assessment, dietary planning, and nutrition
management skills required for real-world nursing proficiency and actual exam readiness.
Domain: High-Yield Lifespan Nutrition
1. A client who is planning to conceive asks which daily amount of folic acid is advised to
reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Which response is correct?
A. Take 400 mcg of folic acid daily beginning before conception and continuing through the first
trimester.
B. Obtain folic acid solely from dietary sources with no supplement.
C. Take 1000 mcg of folic acid only after a positive pregnancy result.
D. Begin folic acid only at the onset of the second trimester.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The recommendation for women planning to conceive is 400 mcg of folic acid daily,
ideally starting before conception, because closure of the neural tube occurs very early in gestation
before many clients know they are pregnant. This aligns with the ATI Nutrition for Nursing
prenatal folate guidance.
2. During the second and third trimesters, why does the recommended intake of dietary
iron increase markedly?
A. Iron is required for expanding maternal blood volume, fetal iron stores, and hemoglobin
synthesis.
B. Iron supports only fetal tooth enamel formation.
C. Iron acts as a laxative to prevent pregnancy constipation.
D. Iron is not absorbed during pregnancy and requires no adjustment.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The rise in iron requirements during pregnancy reflects expanded maternal red blood
cell mass, fetal iron storage, and the growing fetus, so the recommendation increases above the
nonpregnant value. The ATI curriculum highlights prenatal iron to prevent anemia.
3. A pregnant client reports a strong craving for ice, clay, and starch. Which nursing
consideration applies?
A. The client may have iron deficiency, and cravings for nonfood items suggest pica.
ATI Nutrition Actual Exam 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
, B. The craving indicates excess zinc and requires immediate withdrawal.
C. This behavior is normal and requires no nutritional follow-up.
D. The client should avoid all grains to reduce the craving.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pica, the persistent craving of nonfood substances such as ice, clay, or starch, is
associated with iron deficiency during pregnancy. A provider should be notified so iron status can
be assessed. This follows the ATI prenatal nutrition guidance on abnormal cravings.
4. For a client who is exclusively breastfeeding, approximately how many additional
kilocalories per day are generally needed to support milk production?
A. Only the calories from pregnancy should be maintained at pre-pregnancy levels.
B. About 25 to 50 additional kcal per day is sufficient.
C. About 330 to 500 additional kcal per day above pre-pregnancy needs.
D. No additional calories are needed while breastfeeding.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Lactation raises energy needs by roughly 330 to 500 kcal per day, depending on
output, to support milk synthesis. This matches the ATI maternal nutrition guidance on calorie
adjustment during breastfeeding.
5. The mother of a full-term newborn asks how long to exclusively breastfeed. Which
evidence-based recommendation should the nurse give?
A. Introduce solid foods at 3 months alongside breast milk.
B. Provide breast milk exclusively for the first 6 months of life.
C. Switch to whole cow's milk by 4 months of age.
D. Provide breast milk exclusively for the first 2 weeks only.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Major organizations recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months,
followed by continued breastfeeding with complementary foods. The ATI pediatric nutrition
framework reinforces this timeline.
6. A breastfeeding mother asks about vitamin D for her breastfed infant. Which guidance is
correct?
A. The infant should receive 1200 IU of vitamin D each week.
B. Breast milk is low in vitamin D, so the infant needs a 400 IU supplement daily.
C. Breast milk supplies all vitamin D the infant requires.
D. Vitamin D is needed only after the first year of life.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Human milk provides limited vitamin D, so a daily 400 IU supplement is recommended
for breastfed infants. This is consistent with ATI's infant nutrition emphasis on vitamin D
supplementation.
7. At what age should whole cow's milk generally be introduced as the primary milk source
for an infant?
A. At 4 months of age.
B. At 12 months of age.
C. At 8 months of age.
D. Immediately after birth.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Whole cow's milk is generally introduced as the primary milk source at 12 months of
age, because earlier introduction can increase the risk of iron deficiency and excess renal solute
load. This follows the ATI lifespan feeding schedule.
8. Why should honey be withheld from infants younger than 12 months of age?
A. Honey causes dental caries only in infants under 6 months.
ATI Nutrition Actual Exam 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
, B. Honey provides excessive sodium to young infants.
C. Honey may contain Clostridium botulinum spores, increasing the risk of infant botulism.
D. Honey is too acidic for the infant stomach.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Honey is avoided in the first year of life because it can contain Clostridium botulinum
spores that the immature infant gut cannot clear, posing a risk of infant botulism. The ATI infant
feeding safety guidance lists honey as a hazard.
9. A toddler is at higher risk for aspiration of which commonly offered foods?
A. Cooked cereal, strained fruit, and scrambled egg.
B. Pureed squash, rice cereal, and banana.
C. Mashed potatoes, yogurt, and applesauce.
D. Whole grapes, hot dog pieces, and popcorn.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Small, round, or hard foods such as whole grapes, hot dog pieces, popcorn, and nuts
are common choking hazards in toddlers. The ATI pediatric safety content advises cutting or
avoiding these foods.
10. A general rule of thumb for serving sizes at a toddler meal is which of the following?
A. Unlimited portions of protein foods only.
B. Approximately 1 tablespoon of each food per year of age.
C. One cup of every food offered at each meal.
D. Half the portion an adult consumes regardless of age.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A common guideline is about 1 tablespoon of each food per year of age for toddlers,
because their stomach capacity is small and energy needs are high relative to body size. This
aligns with ATI toddler feeding recommendations.
11. A preschool-age child's typical eating pattern that the nurse should anticipate is which
of the following?
A. Reluctance to ever touch or taste any new food.
B. Fluctuating appetite with food refusal and strong food preferences.
C. A continuously increasing appetite requiring double adult portions.
D. Complete self-selection of a fully balanced diet every day.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Preschoolers commonly show erratic appetites, neophobia, and strong preferences;
caregivers are advised to offer a variety of foods and avoid force-feeding. The ATI preschool
nutrition content describes this feeding behavior.
12. For a school-age child, which dietary emphasis supports achieving peak bone mass?
A. Avoiding all fortified foods.
B. Restricting all dairy to prevent weight gain.
C. Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D through childhood and adolescence.
D. A high-sodium diet to support growth hormone.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Peak bone mass is built during childhood and adolescence, and adequate calcium with
vitamin D is central to bone health. This is emphasized in ATI school-age nutrition guidance.
13. During adolescence, iron requirements increase most sharply in which group?
A. Adolescent males because of a decline in lean body mass.
B. Only sedentary adolescents, independent of puberty.
C. Both sexes equally with no growth-related increase.
D. Adolescent females because of growth and menstrual losses.
ATI Nutrition Actual Exam 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
