ATI Nutrition Proctored Exam 2026:
The Complete Q&A Study Guide –
Board-Style Practice Questions with
Detailed Rationales, Nursing
Interventions, and Clinical
Prioritization for First-Time Pass
Success
QUESTION 1
A nurse is assessing a client who has type 2 diabetes mellitus. The
nurse should recognize which of the following as a manifestation of
hypoglycemia?
A. Polydipsia
B. Vomiting
C. Confusion
D. Ketonuria
Correct Answer: C. Confusion
Rationale: Confusion is a classic manifestation of hypoglycemia, resulting
from inadequate glucose supply to the brain. Polydipsia, vomiting, and
ketonuria are associated with hyperglycemia rather than hypoglycemia.
Ketonuria indicates fat breakdown due to insufficient insulin, commonly
seen in type 1 diabetes or severe hyperglycemia .
,QUESTION 2
A nurse is providing dietary teaching to a client who has a new
diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Which of the
following foods or beverages should the nurse recommend to
minimize heartburn?
A. Orange juice
B. Decaffeinated coffee
C. Peppermint
D. Potatoes
Correct Answer: D. Potatoes
Rationale: Potatoes are non-acidic and non-irritating, making them an
appropriate choice for clients with GERD. Orange juice and decaffeinated
coffee are acidic and can exacerbate symptoms. Peppermint relaxes the
lower esophageal sphincter, which can worsen reflux .
QUESTION 3
A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a client admitted with
suspected malnutrition. Which laboratory value best reflects recent
nutritional status over the past 2-3 days?
A. Serum albumin
B. Serum prealbumin
,C. Total lymphocyte count
D. Hemoglobin
Correct Answer: B. Serum prealbumin
Rationale: Prealbumin (transthyretin) has a half-life of approximately 2-3
days, making it the most sensitive indicator of recent nutritional status and
response to nutritional intervention. Albumin has a half-life of 18-20 days
and reflects longer-term nutritional status but is affected by hydration
status, liver function, and inflammation .
QUESTION 4
A nurse is teaching about increasing dietary intake of micronutrients
to a client who has difficulty seeing at night. Which micronutrient
should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. Vitamin A
B. Calcium
C. Vitamin B6
D. Phosphorus
Correct Answer: A. Vitamin A
Rationale: Vitamin A is essential for the production of rhodopsin, a
pigment in the retina that enables adaptation to low light conditions. Night
blindness is an early sign of vitamin A deficiency. Calcium facilitates nerve
transmission, vitamin B6 assists in hemoglobin formation, and phosphorus
supports bone and teeth formation .
, QUESTION 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has a body mass index (BMI) of 30.
Four weeks after nutritional counseling, which evaluation finding
indicates the plan of care was followed?
A. BMI of 25
B. Weight gain of 1.8 kg
C. BMI of 33
D. Weight loss of 2.7 kg
Correct Answer: D. Weight loss of 2.7 kg
Rationale: A weight loss of approximately 0.5-1 kg per week (2.7 kg over 4
weeks) is a safe and realistic goal, indicating the client is following the
nutritional plan. A BMI of 25 would represent unrealistic weight loss in 4
weeks. Weight gain indicates non-adherence .
QUESTION 6
Which of the following food choices is appropriate for a client with
GERD? (Select all that apply)
A. Baked salmon
B. Skim milk
C. Orange juice
D. Decaffeinated tea
E. Eggs and salsa
The Complete Q&A Study Guide –
Board-Style Practice Questions with
Detailed Rationales, Nursing
Interventions, and Clinical
Prioritization for First-Time Pass
Success
QUESTION 1
A nurse is assessing a client who has type 2 diabetes mellitus. The
nurse should recognize which of the following as a manifestation of
hypoglycemia?
A. Polydipsia
B. Vomiting
C. Confusion
D. Ketonuria
Correct Answer: C. Confusion
Rationale: Confusion is a classic manifestation of hypoglycemia, resulting
from inadequate glucose supply to the brain. Polydipsia, vomiting, and
ketonuria are associated with hyperglycemia rather than hypoglycemia.
Ketonuria indicates fat breakdown due to insufficient insulin, commonly
seen in type 1 diabetes or severe hyperglycemia .
,QUESTION 2
A nurse is providing dietary teaching to a client who has a new
diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Which of the
following foods or beverages should the nurse recommend to
minimize heartburn?
A. Orange juice
B. Decaffeinated coffee
C. Peppermint
D. Potatoes
Correct Answer: D. Potatoes
Rationale: Potatoes are non-acidic and non-irritating, making them an
appropriate choice for clients with GERD. Orange juice and decaffeinated
coffee are acidic and can exacerbate symptoms. Peppermint relaxes the
lower esophageal sphincter, which can worsen reflux .
QUESTION 3
A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a client admitted with
suspected malnutrition. Which laboratory value best reflects recent
nutritional status over the past 2-3 days?
A. Serum albumin
B. Serum prealbumin
,C. Total lymphocyte count
D. Hemoglobin
Correct Answer: B. Serum prealbumin
Rationale: Prealbumin (transthyretin) has a half-life of approximately 2-3
days, making it the most sensitive indicator of recent nutritional status and
response to nutritional intervention. Albumin has a half-life of 18-20 days
and reflects longer-term nutritional status but is affected by hydration
status, liver function, and inflammation .
QUESTION 4
A nurse is teaching about increasing dietary intake of micronutrients
to a client who has difficulty seeing at night. Which micronutrient
should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. Vitamin A
B. Calcium
C. Vitamin B6
D. Phosphorus
Correct Answer: A. Vitamin A
Rationale: Vitamin A is essential for the production of rhodopsin, a
pigment in the retina that enables adaptation to low light conditions. Night
blindness is an early sign of vitamin A deficiency. Calcium facilitates nerve
transmission, vitamin B6 assists in hemoglobin formation, and phosphorus
supports bone and teeth formation .
, QUESTION 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has a body mass index (BMI) of 30.
Four weeks after nutritional counseling, which evaluation finding
indicates the plan of care was followed?
A. BMI of 25
B. Weight gain of 1.8 kg
C. BMI of 33
D. Weight loss of 2.7 kg
Correct Answer: D. Weight loss of 2.7 kg
Rationale: A weight loss of approximately 0.5-1 kg per week (2.7 kg over 4
weeks) is a safe and realistic goal, indicating the client is following the
nutritional plan. A BMI of 25 would represent unrealistic weight loss in 4
weeks. Weight gain indicates non-adherence .
QUESTION 6
Which of the following food choices is appropriate for a client with
GERD? (Select all that apply)
A. Baked salmon
B. Skim milk
C. Orange juice
D. Decaffeinated tea
E. Eggs and salsa
