N225 | N225 Exam 2: Nutrition - WCU Updated and
Latest Questions and Correct Answers with
Rationale
1. A nurse is assessing a client with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 28. How should the nurse
categorize this finding?
A. Overweight
B. Normal weight
C. Underweight
D. Obese
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A BMI between 25 and 29.9 is medically classified as overweight. This metric is
a screening tool used to identify potential weight problems in adults. It does not directly
measure body fat but correlates with more direct measures. Nurses use this assessment to
determine the need for further nutritional counseling. Maintaining a healthy BMI is
essential for reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
2. Which laboratory value is the best indicator of a client’s current, acute nutritional status
due to its short half-life?
A. Serum Albumin
B. Transferrin
C. Hemoglobin
D. Prealbumin
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Prealbumin has a half-life of only two days, making it very sensitive to recent
dietary changes. In contrast, albumin has a half-life of about 20 days and reflects long-term
status. Monitoring prealbumin allows clinicians to see the immediate effects of nutritional
interventions. It is often used in acute care settings to assess patients at risk for
malnutrition. Accurate interpretation of these labs helps in tailoring protein intake for
recovery.
3. According to the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges (AMDR), what percentage
of total daily calories should come from carbohydrates?
A. 45% to 65%
B. 10% to 35%
C. 20% to 35%
,D. 70% to 80%
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The AMDR recommends that carbohydrates provide the bulk of energy for most
healthy individuals. This range ensures adequate intake of essential nutrients and fiber
found in complex carbs. Following these guidelines helps maintain stable blood glucose
levels throughout the day. It also prevents the body from using protein as a primary energy
source. Nurses educate patients on choosing complex over simple carbohydrates within
this percentage.
4. A pregnant client asks why she needs to take a folic acid supplement. What is the best
response by the nurse?
A. To prevent gestational diabetes
B. To assist in the absorption of calcium
C. To reduce the risk of neural tube defects
D. To prevent excessive weight gain
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Folic acid is critical for the proper development of the fetal spinal cord and
brain. Insufficient intake during early pregnancy can lead to serious conditions like spina
bifida. Most clinicians recommend 400 to 800 mcg daily for women of childbearing age.
This supplementation is most effective if started before conception occurs. It serves as a
primary preventative measure in prenatal nutritional care.
5. Which of the following is the recommended total weight gain for a pregnant woman with a
normal pre-pregnancy BMI?
A. 25 to 35 pounds
B. 15 to 25 pounds
C. 11 to 20 pounds
D. 28 to 40 pounds
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The Institute of Medicine provides specific weight gain ranges based on initial
body mass index. For a woman starting at a normal weight, 25 to 35 pounds is considered
ideal. This weight supports the growth of the fetus, placenta, and increased blood volume.
Excessive gain can increase risks of complications like hypertension or large birth weight.
Nurses monitor these trends during every prenatal visit to ensure maternal health.
6. At what age should iron-fortified rice cereal typically be introduced to an infant’s diet?
A. 4 to 6 months
, B. 2 months
C. 8 to 10 months
D. 12 months
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: By 4 to 6 months, an infant’s natural iron stores begin to deplete significantly.
Iron-fortified cereal is usually the first solid food recommended due to low allergenicity.
Introducing solids too early can lead to choking or food allergies. Parents should wait for
signs of developmental readiness like sitting with support. This transition marks a critical
step in meeting increasing nutritional demands.
7. Elderly clients are at an increased risk for Vitamin B12 deficiency primarily due to which
factor?
A. Increased excretion by the kidneys
B. Decreased intake of meat products
C. Decreased production of intrinsic factor
D. Excessive intake of fiber
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Aging can lead to atrophic gastritis, which reduces the secretion of hydrochloric
acid and intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is essential for the absorption of Vitamin B12 in
the small intestine. Without it, patients may develop pernicious anemia or neurological
issues. This deficiency is common in the geriatric population and often requires
supplementation. Nurses should screen for symptoms like fatigue and tingling in the
extremities.
8. Which nutrient is the most energy-dense, providing 9 calories per gram?
A. Protein
B. Fats
C. Carbohydrates
D. Alcohol
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Fats provide more than double the energy per gram compared to proteins or
carbohydrates. While essential for cell function, high fat intake can easily lead to caloric
excess. Both carbohydrates and proteins provide only 4 calories per gram of weight.
Alcohol provides 7 calories per gram but is considered ‘empty’ nutrition. Understanding
energy density is vital for effective weight management strategies.
Latest Questions and Correct Answers with
Rationale
1. A nurse is assessing a client with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 28. How should the nurse
categorize this finding?
A. Overweight
B. Normal weight
C. Underweight
D. Obese
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A BMI between 25 and 29.9 is medically classified as overweight. This metric is
a screening tool used to identify potential weight problems in adults. It does not directly
measure body fat but correlates with more direct measures. Nurses use this assessment to
determine the need for further nutritional counseling. Maintaining a healthy BMI is
essential for reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
2. Which laboratory value is the best indicator of a client’s current, acute nutritional status
due to its short half-life?
A. Serum Albumin
B. Transferrin
C. Hemoglobin
D. Prealbumin
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Prealbumin has a half-life of only two days, making it very sensitive to recent
dietary changes. In contrast, albumin has a half-life of about 20 days and reflects long-term
status. Monitoring prealbumin allows clinicians to see the immediate effects of nutritional
interventions. It is often used in acute care settings to assess patients at risk for
malnutrition. Accurate interpretation of these labs helps in tailoring protein intake for
recovery.
3. According to the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges (AMDR), what percentage
of total daily calories should come from carbohydrates?
A. 45% to 65%
B. 10% to 35%
C. 20% to 35%
,D. 70% to 80%
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The AMDR recommends that carbohydrates provide the bulk of energy for most
healthy individuals. This range ensures adequate intake of essential nutrients and fiber
found in complex carbs. Following these guidelines helps maintain stable blood glucose
levels throughout the day. It also prevents the body from using protein as a primary energy
source. Nurses educate patients on choosing complex over simple carbohydrates within
this percentage.
4. A pregnant client asks why she needs to take a folic acid supplement. What is the best
response by the nurse?
A. To prevent gestational diabetes
B. To assist in the absorption of calcium
C. To reduce the risk of neural tube defects
D. To prevent excessive weight gain
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Folic acid is critical for the proper development of the fetal spinal cord and
brain. Insufficient intake during early pregnancy can lead to serious conditions like spina
bifida. Most clinicians recommend 400 to 800 mcg daily for women of childbearing age.
This supplementation is most effective if started before conception occurs. It serves as a
primary preventative measure in prenatal nutritional care.
5. Which of the following is the recommended total weight gain for a pregnant woman with a
normal pre-pregnancy BMI?
A. 25 to 35 pounds
B. 15 to 25 pounds
C. 11 to 20 pounds
D. 28 to 40 pounds
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The Institute of Medicine provides specific weight gain ranges based on initial
body mass index. For a woman starting at a normal weight, 25 to 35 pounds is considered
ideal. This weight supports the growth of the fetus, placenta, and increased blood volume.
Excessive gain can increase risks of complications like hypertension or large birth weight.
Nurses monitor these trends during every prenatal visit to ensure maternal health.
6. At what age should iron-fortified rice cereal typically be introduced to an infant’s diet?
A. 4 to 6 months
, B. 2 months
C. 8 to 10 months
D. 12 months
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: By 4 to 6 months, an infant’s natural iron stores begin to deplete significantly.
Iron-fortified cereal is usually the first solid food recommended due to low allergenicity.
Introducing solids too early can lead to choking or food allergies. Parents should wait for
signs of developmental readiness like sitting with support. This transition marks a critical
step in meeting increasing nutritional demands.
7. Elderly clients are at an increased risk for Vitamin B12 deficiency primarily due to which
factor?
A. Increased excretion by the kidneys
B. Decreased intake of meat products
C. Decreased production of intrinsic factor
D. Excessive intake of fiber
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Aging can lead to atrophic gastritis, which reduces the secretion of hydrochloric
acid and intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is essential for the absorption of Vitamin B12 in
the small intestine. Without it, patients may develop pernicious anemia or neurological
issues. This deficiency is common in the geriatric population and often requires
supplementation. Nurses should screen for symptoms like fatigue and tingling in the
extremities.
8. Which nutrient is the most energy-dense, providing 9 calories per gram?
A. Protein
B. Fats
C. Carbohydrates
D. Alcohol
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Fats provide more than double the energy per gram compared to proteins or
carbohydrates. While essential for cell function, high fat intake can easily lead to caloric
excess. Both carbohydrates and proteins provide only 4 calories per gram of weight.
Alcohol provides 7 calories per gram but is considered ‘empty’ nutrition. Understanding
energy density is vital for effective weight management strategies.
