NUR 1172 Principles of Nutrition Exam 1
Comprehensive Examination 2026/2027: Verified
Practice Questions & Detailed Rationales | Rasmussen
College | Macronutrients, Micronutrients, Vitamins,
Minerals, Lifespan Nutrition, Dietary Guidelines, and
Cultural Considerations
INTRODUCTION
The questions are organized across four core domains: Domain 1 – Basic
Nutritional Principles and Macronutrients (40 questions); Domain 2 –
Micronutrients, Vitamins, and Minerals (40 questions); Domain 3 – Nutrition
Across the Lifespan (39 questions); and Domain 4 – Dietary Guidelines and
Cultural Considerations in Nutrition (38 questions). Each question is accompanied
by the correct answer and a detailed rationale grounded in foundational nutritional
nursing methodology, including principles drawn from university-level nursing
curricula and established textbooks such as Williams' Basic Nutrition and Diet
Therapy and Grodner's Foundations and Clinical Applications of Nutrition. The
content emphasizes accurate application of macronutrient and micronutrient
knowledge, lifespan-specific nutritional needs, and culturally responsive dietary
guidance in clinical and community settings.
ACTUAL QUESTIONS
Domain 1: Basic Nutritional Principles and Macronutrients
Question 1. Which nutrient provides the greatest number of kilocalories per
gram?
A. Fat
B. Carbohydrate
C. Protein
D. Alcohol
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Fat yields approximately 9 kcal per gram, while carbohydrate and
protein each yield 4 kcal/g and alcohol yields 7 kcal/g. This higher energy density
makes fat the most calorie-dense macronutrient.
,Question 2. The primary function of carbohydrates in the body is to:
A. Build muscle tissue
B. Transport oxygen in the blood
C. Provide a readily available source of energy for cells
D. Synthesize hormones exclusively
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Carbohydrates are the body's preferred immediate energy source.
Glucose derived from carbohydrate metabolism fuels cellular processes, especially
in the brain and red blood cells.
Question 3. Which statement correctly describes complete proteins?
A. They are found only in plant foods
B. They contain all nine essential amino acids in adequate amounts
C. They lack at least one essential amino acid
D. They provide no kilocalories
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Complete proteins supply all essential amino acids in proportions
needed for protein synthesis. Animal sources and a few plant sources such as
quinoa and soy are complete; most plant proteins are incomplete.
Question 4. Dietary fiber is classified as a:
A. Simple sugar that raises blood glucose rapidly
B. Type of lipid that stores energy
C. Mineral required for bone health
D. Complex carbohydrate that is not digested by human enzymes
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Dietary fiber is a complex carbohydrate that human digestive enzymes
cannot break down. It promotes bowel health, lowers cholesterol, and moderates
blood glucose levels.
Question 5. Which of the following is an essential fatty acid?
A. Linoleic acid
B. Oleic acid
C. Palmitic acid
D. Stearic acid
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) and alpha-linolenic acid (an
,omega-3 fatty acid) are essential fatty acids that must be obtained from the diet
because the body cannot synthesize them.
Question 6. A client is prescribed a high-protein diet. The nurse understands
that protein is essential for:
A. Providing the primary source of immediate energy
B. Tissue repair, growth, and immune function
C. Transporting oxygen in the blood
D. Insulating the body against cold
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Proteins are the building blocks of tissues and are essential for growth,
repair, immune function (antibodies), and enzyme/hormone synthesis. They are not
the primary energy source.
Question 7. What is the primary role of insulin in carbohydrate metabolism?
A. To facilitate the movement of glucose from the blood into cells
B. To stimulate the breakdown of glycogen into glucose
C. To promote the excretion of glucose in the urine
D. To convert glucose into fat exclusively
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Insulin is a hormone that facilitates the uptake of glucose from the
bloodstream into cells, where it is used for energy or stored as glycogen.
Question 8. Which food source is considered a source of incomplete protein?
A. Eggs
B. Chicken breast
C. Lentils
D. Greek yogurt
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Lentils, along with other legumes, grains, and nuts, are incomplete
proteins because they lack one or more of the essential amino acids. Animal
products are generally complete proteins.
Question 9. A nurse is teaching a client about a low-fat diet. Which nutrient
must be replaced to maintain energy intake?
A. Protein
B. Carbohydrates
C. Water
D. Vitamins
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When fat is restricted, carbohydrates (especially complex
carbohydrates) should be increased to provide adequate energy and maintain
palatability.
Question 10. The process of breaking down glycogen into glucose is known as:
A. Glycogenesis
B. Glycogenolysis
C. Gluconeogenesis
D. Lipolysis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Glycogenolysis is the breakdown of stored glycogen in the liver and
muscles into glucose to maintain blood glucose levels between meals.
Question 11. What is the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of
carbohydrates for most adults?
A. 10-20% of total daily calories
B. 20-35% of total daily calories
C. 45-65% of total daily calories
D. 70-80% of total daily calories
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) for
carbohydrates is 45-65% of total daily calories to support brain function and
physical activity.
Question 12. Which of the following is a function of adipose tissue?
A. Production of red blood cells
B. Storage of fat-soluble vitamins and energy
C. Secretion of digestive enzymes
D. Filtration of blood
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Adipose tissue (body fat) serves as a major energy reserve, stores fat-
soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), insulates the body, and protects vital organs.
Question 13. A client is experiencing ketosis due to a very low-carbohydrate
diet. Which finding is expected?
A. Elevated blood pH
B. Fruity-smelling breath
C. Increased urine output
Comprehensive Examination 2026/2027: Verified
Practice Questions & Detailed Rationales | Rasmussen
College | Macronutrients, Micronutrients, Vitamins,
Minerals, Lifespan Nutrition, Dietary Guidelines, and
Cultural Considerations
INTRODUCTION
The questions are organized across four core domains: Domain 1 – Basic
Nutritional Principles and Macronutrients (40 questions); Domain 2 –
Micronutrients, Vitamins, and Minerals (40 questions); Domain 3 – Nutrition
Across the Lifespan (39 questions); and Domain 4 – Dietary Guidelines and
Cultural Considerations in Nutrition (38 questions). Each question is accompanied
by the correct answer and a detailed rationale grounded in foundational nutritional
nursing methodology, including principles drawn from university-level nursing
curricula and established textbooks such as Williams' Basic Nutrition and Diet
Therapy and Grodner's Foundations and Clinical Applications of Nutrition. The
content emphasizes accurate application of macronutrient and micronutrient
knowledge, lifespan-specific nutritional needs, and culturally responsive dietary
guidance in clinical and community settings.
ACTUAL QUESTIONS
Domain 1: Basic Nutritional Principles and Macronutrients
Question 1. Which nutrient provides the greatest number of kilocalories per
gram?
A. Fat
B. Carbohydrate
C. Protein
D. Alcohol
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Fat yields approximately 9 kcal per gram, while carbohydrate and
protein each yield 4 kcal/g and alcohol yields 7 kcal/g. This higher energy density
makes fat the most calorie-dense macronutrient.
,Question 2. The primary function of carbohydrates in the body is to:
A. Build muscle tissue
B. Transport oxygen in the blood
C. Provide a readily available source of energy for cells
D. Synthesize hormones exclusively
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Carbohydrates are the body's preferred immediate energy source.
Glucose derived from carbohydrate metabolism fuels cellular processes, especially
in the brain and red blood cells.
Question 3. Which statement correctly describes complete proteins?
A. They are found only in plant foods
B. They contain all nine essential amino acids in adequate amounts
C. They lack at least one essential amino acid
D. They provide no kilocalories
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Complete proteins supply all essential amino acids in proportions
needed for protein synthesis. Animal sources and a few plant sources such as
quinoa and soy are complete; most plant proteins are incomplete.
Question 4. Dietary fiber is classified as a:
A. Simple sugar that raises blood glucose rapidly
B. Type of lipid that stores energy
C. Mineral required for bone health
D. Complex carbohydrate that is not digested by human enzymes
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Dietary fiber is a complex carbohydrate that human digestive enzymes
cannot break down. It promotes bowel health, lowers cholesterol, and moderates
blood glucose levels.
Question 5. Which of the following is an essential fatty acid?
A. Linoleic acid
B. Oleic acid
C. Palmitic acid
D. Stearic acid
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) and alpha-linolenic acid (an
,omega-3 fatty acid) are essential fatty acids that must be obtained from the diet
because the body cannot synthesize them.
Question 6. A client is prescribed a high-protein diet. The nurse understands
that protein is essential for:
A. Providing the primary source of immediate energy
B. Tissue repair, growth, and immune function
C. Transporting oxygen in the blood
D. Insulating the body against cold
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Proteins are the building blocks of tissues and are essential for growth,
repair, immune function (antibodies), and enzyme/hormone synthesis. They are not
the primary energy source.
Question 7. What is the primary role of insulin in carbohydrate metabolism?
A. To facilitate the movement of glucose from the blood into cells
B. To stimulate the breakdown of glycogen into glucose
C. To promote the excretion of glucose in the urine
D. To convert glucose into fat exclusively
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Insulin is a hormone that facilitates the uptake of glucose from the
bloodstream into cells, where it is used for energy or stored as glycogen.
Question 8. Which food source is considered a source of incomplete protein?
A. Eggs
B. Chicken breast
C. Lentils
D. Greek yogurt
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Lentils, along with other legumes, grains, and nuts, are incomplete
proteins because they lack one or more of the essential amino acids. Animal
products are generally complete proteins.
Question 9. A nurse is teaching a client about a low-fat diet. Which nutrient
must be replaced to maintain energy intake?
A. Protein
B. Carbohydrates
C. Water
D. Vitamins
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When fat is restricted, carbohydrates (especially complex
carbohydrates) should be increased to provide adequate energy and maintain
palatability.
Question 10. The process of breaking down glycogen into glucose is known as:
A. Glycogenesis
B. Glycogenolysis
C. Gluconeogenesis
D. Lipolysis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Glycogenolysis is the breakdown of stored glycogen in the liver and
muscles into glucose to maintain blood glucose levels between meals.
Question 11. What is the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of
carbohydrates for most adults?
A. 10-20% of total daily calories
B. 20-35% of total daily calories
C. 45-65% of total daily calories
D. 70-80% of total daily calories
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) for
carbohydrates is 45-65% of total daily calories to support brain function and
physical activity.
Question 12. Which of the following is a function of adipose tissue?
A. Production of red blood cells
B. Storage of fat-soluble vitamins and energy
C. Secretion of digestive enzymes
D. Filtration of blood
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Adipose tissue (body fat) serves as a major energy reserve, stores fat-
soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), insulates the body, and protects vital organs.
Question 13. A client is experiencing ketosis due to a very low-carbohydrate
diet. Which finding is expected?
A. Elevated blood pH
B. Fruity-smelling breath
C. Increased urine output
