1. A nurse is reviewing the lab values of a client who has iron deficiency
anemia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Increased hematocrit
B. Decreased ferritin
C. Elevated transferrin saturation
D. Increased hemoglobin
Answer: B. Decreased ferritin
Rationale: Ferritin reflects iron stores, and it is typically decreased in
iron deficiency anemia. Hemoglobin and hematocrit may also be low;
transferrin saturation is usually decreased, not elevated.
2. A nurse is reinforcing education about nutrition for a client with
COPD. Which of the following is appropriate?
A. High carbohydrate intake
B. Low protein diet
C. High-calorie, high-protein meals
D. Frequent, high-fiber meals
Answer: C. High-calorie, high-protein meals
Rationale: COPD increases energy expenditure; clients benefit from
nutrient-dense, high-calorie and high-protein meals.
3. Which food choice supports iron absorption in a client taking oral
iron supplements?
A. Milk
B. Coffee
C. Orange juice
D. Green tea
Answer: C. Orange juice
Rationale: Vitamin C enhances iron absorption. Milk and tannins in
coffee/tea inhibit absorption.
,4. A nurse is teaching a client with dumping syndrome to avoid which
of the following?
A. Lean meats
B. Complex carbohydrates
C. Sugary foods
D. Fiber-rich foods
Answer: C. Sugary foods
Rationale: Simple sugars worsen dumping syndrome by pulling fluid
into the intestines too quickly.
5. Which lab result indicates malnutrition?
A. Elevated albumin
B. Decreased prealbumin
C. High cholesterol
D. Elevated creatinine
Answer: B. Decreased prealbumin
Rationale: Prealbumin is a sensitive marker of protein malnutrition and
responds quickly to changes in nutritional status.
6. A nurse is providing dietary instructions to a client with chronic
kidney disease. Which should be limited?
A. Potassium
B. Iron
C. Fiber
D. Vitamin D
Answer: A. Potassium
Rationale: Potassium can accumulate in CKD and cause dangerous
arrhythmias; intake must often be restricted.
7. A nurse is teaching a client with celiac disease. Which of the
following grains should be avoided?
A. Corn
B. Rice
, C. Barley
D. Quinoa
Answer: C. Barley
Rationale: Barley contains gluten and should be avoided in celiac
disease. Corn, rice, and quinoa are gluten-free.
8. Which food item is appropriate for a client on a clear liquid diet?
A. Milkshake
B. Gelatin
C. Yogurt
D. Ice cream
Answer: B. Gelatin
Rationale: Clear liquid diets include transparent liquids like broth,
gelatin, and clear juices.
9. A nurse is reviewing lab values for a client on a diuretic. Which
electrolyte is most at risk for imbalance?
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
C. Calcium
D. Chloride
Answer: B. Potassium
Rationale: Many diuretics (like furosemide) cause potassium loss,
leading to hypokalemia.
10. Which food should a nurse suggest for a client needing increased
dietary fiber?
A. White rice
B. Apples with skin
C. Chicken breast
D. Eggs
Answer: B. Apples with skin
anemia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Increased hematocrit
B. Decreased ferritin
C. Elevated transferrin saturation
D. Increased hemoglobin
Answer: B. Decreased ferritin
Rationale: Ferritin reflects iron stores, and it is typically decreased in
iron deficiency anemia. Hemoglobin and hematocrit may also be low;
transferrin saturation is usually decreased, not elevated.
2. A nurse is reinforcing education about nutrition for a client with
COPD. Which of the following is appropriate?
A. High carbohydrate intake
B. Low protein diet
C. High-calorie, high-protein meals
D. Frequent, high-fiber meals
Answer: C. High-calorie, high-protein meals
Rationale: COPD increases energy expenditure; clients benefit from
nutrient-dense, high-calorie and high-protein meals.
3. Which food choice supports iron absorption in a client taking oral
iron supplements?
A. Milk
B. Coffee
C. Orange juice
D. Green tea
Answer: C. Orange juice
Rationale: Vitamin C enhances iron absorption. Milk and tannins in
coffee/tea inhibit absorption.
,4. A nurse is teaching a client with dumping syndrome to avoid which
of the following?
A. Lean meats
B. Complex carbohydrates
C. Sugary foods
D. Fiber-rich foods
Answer: C. Sugary foods
Rationale: Simple sugars worsen dumping syndrome by pulling fluid
into the intestines too quickly.
5. Which lab result indicates malnutrition?
A. Elevated albumin
B. Decreased prealbumin
C. High cholesterol
D. Elevated creatinine
Answer: B. Decreased prealbumin
Rationale: Prealbumin is a sensitive marker of protein malnutrition and
responds quickly to changes in nutritional status.
6. A nurse is providing dietary instructions to a client with chronic
kidney disease. Which should be limited?
A. Potassium
B. Iron
C. Fiber
D. Vitamin D
Answer: A. Potassium
Rationale: Potassium can accumulate in CKD and cause dangerous
arrhythmias; intake must often be restricted.
7. A nurse is teaching a client with celiac disease. Which of the
following grains should be avoided?
A. Corn
B. Rice
, C. Barley
D. Quinoa
Answer: C. Barley
Rationale: Barley contains gluten and should be avoided in celiac
disease. Corn, rice, and quinoa are gluten-free.
8. Which food item is appropriate for a client on a clear liquid diet?
A. Milkshake
B. Gelatin
C. Yogurt
D. Ice cream
Answer: B. Gelatin
Rationale: Clear liquid diets include transparent liquids like broth,
gelatin, and clear juices.
9. A nurse is reviewing lab values for a client on a diuretic. Which
electrolyte is most at risk for imbalance?
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
C. Calcium
D. Chloride
Answer: B. Potassium
Rationale: Many diuretics (like furosemide) cause potassium loss,
leading to hypokalemia.
10. Which food should a nurse suggest for a client needing increased
dietary fiber?
A. White rice
B. Apples with skin
C. Chicken breast
D. Eggs
Answer: B. Apples with skin
