ATI RN NUTRITION CMS PROCTORED EXAM 2026/2027 |
Questions & Correct Answers A & B | Updated | NCLEX-
RN Aligned | Pass Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Section 1: Macronutrients, Micronutrients & Metabolism
(Questions 1-18)
Q1. A client asks the nurse about the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range
(AMDR) for carbohydrates in a healthy adult diet. What percentage of total daily
calories should come from carbohydrates?
A. 10-15%
B. 20-35%
C. 45-65%
D. 70-80%
Correct Answer: C. 45-65% [CORRECT]
Rationale: The AMDR for carbohydrates is 45-65% of total daily calories. Protein is
10-35%, fat is 20-35%, and 70-80% exceeds recommended ranges and would
displace essential proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are the body's preferred energy
source and should constitute the largest macronutrient proportion.
Q2. A nurse is reviewing a client's diet history and notes intake is deficient in
essential fatty acids. Which food source should the nurse recommend to increase
omega-3 fatty acid intake?
A. Beef liver
B. Salmon and flaxseed
C. White bread
D. Processed cheese
,Correct Answer: B. Salmon and flaxseed [CORRECT]
Rationale: Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA, ALA) are found in fatty fish (salmon,
mackerel, sardines) and plant sources (flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts). Beef liver is rich
in vitamin A and iron but not omega-3s. White bread and processed cheese contain
minimal essential fatty acids and are poor nutritional choices.
Q3. A client with celiac disease asks the nurse which grain is safe to consume. Which
response is correct?
A. Wheat
B. Barley
C. Quinoa
D. Rye
Correct Answer: C. Quinoa [CORRECT]
Rationale: Celiac disease requires strict avoidance of gluten-containing grains: wheat,
barley, and rye. Quinoa is a gluten-free pseudocereal that is safe for individuals with
celiac disease. The nurse must educate the client to read labels carefully as wheat is a
common hidden ingredient in processed foods.
Q4. A nurse is caring for a client with a protein deficiency. Which laboratory finding is
most consistent with inadequate protein intake?
A. Elevated serum albumin
B. Low serum prealbumin
C. Elevated hemoglobin
D. Normal transferrin
Correct Answer: B. Low serum prealbumin [CORRECT]
Rationale: Prealbumin (transthyretin) is a sensitive, short-term indicator of protein
status with a half-life of 2-3 days. Low levels indicate inadequate protein intake or
malnutrition. Albumin has a longer half-life (20 days) and is less sensitive to acute
,changes. Elevated hemoglobin and normal transferrin do not indicate protein
deficiency.
Q5. A client asks the nurse about the primary function of dietary fiber. Which
response is most accurate?
A. Provides a concentrated source of energy
B. Promotes bowel regularity and helps lower blood cholesterol
C. Serves as the primary building block for muscle tissue
D. Facilitates absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
Correct Answer: B. Promotes bowel regularity and helps lower blood cholesterol
[CORRECT]
Rationale: Dietary fiber (soluble and insoluble) promotes gastrointestinal health by
adding bulk to stool and speeding transit time. Soluble fiber (oats, beans, apples)
binds bile acids and helps lower LDL cholesterol. Fiber does not provide energy (it is
indigestible), build muscle (protein does), or facilitate fat-soluble vitamin absorption
(dietary fat does).
Q6. A nurse is teaching a client about complete versus incomplete proteins. Which
food combination provides all essential amino acids?
A. Rice and beans
B. Apple and banana
C. Lettuce and tomato
D. Butter and sugar
Correct Answer: A. Rice and beans [CORRECT]
Rationale: Complete proteins contain all nine essential amino acids in adequate
proportions. Animal proteins are complete; plant proteins are typically incomplete
except for soy and quinoa. Complementary proteins (rice + beans, hummus + pita,
, peanut butter + bread) combine to provide all essential amino acids. Fruits,
vegetables, and pure fats/sugars lack significant protein.
Q7. A client is prescribed warfarin (Coumadin) for atrial fibrillation. The nurse should
instruct the client to maintain consistent intake of which vitamin?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin D
C. Vitamin K
D. Vitamin E
Correct Answer: C. Vitamin K [CORRECT]
Rationale: Warfarin is a vitamin K antagonist that inhibits synthesis of clotting factors
II, VII, IX, and X. Inconsistent vitamin K intake (found in leafy greens, broccoli, liver)
alters INR and increases bleeding or clotting risk. The client should maintain
consistent daily vitamin K intake rather than avoiding it entirely. Vitamins A, D, and E
do not interact with warfarin.
Q8. A nurse is reviewing a client's laboratory results and notes a serum potassium of
3.1 mEq/L. The client is taking furosemide (Lasix) daily. Which dietary instruction is
most appropriate?
A. Increase intake of bananas, oranges, potatoes, and spinach
B. Restrict all potassium-rich foods
C. Increase sodium intake to compensate
D. Discontinue the furosemide immediately
Correct Answer: A. Increase intake of bananas, oranges, potatoes, and spinach
[CORRECT]
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium wasting, leading to
hypokalemia (K+ < 3.5 mEq/L). The nurse should instruct the client to increase
dietary potassium from sources like bananas, oranges, potatoes, spinach, and dried
Questions & Correct Answers A & B | Updated | NCLEX-
RN Aligned | Pass Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Section 1: Macronutrients, Micronutrients & Metabolism
(Questions 1-18)
Q1. A client asks the nurse about the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range
(AMDR) for carbohydrates in a healthy adult diet. What percentage of total daily
calories should come from carbohydrates?
A. 10-15%
B. 20-35%
C. 45-65%
D. 70-80%
Correct Answer: C. 45-65% [CORRECT]
Rationale: The AMDR for carbohydrates is 45-65% of total daily calories. Protein is
10-35%, fat is 20-35%, and 70-80% exceeds recommended ranges and would
displace essential proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are the body's preferred energy
source and should constitute the largest macronutrient proportion.
Q2. A nurse is reviewing a client's diet history and notes intake is deficient in
essential fatty acids. Which food source should the nurse recommend to increase
omega-3 fatty acid intake?
A. Beef liver
B. Salmon and flaxseed
C. White bread
D. Processed cheese
,Correct Answer: B. Salmon and flaxseed [CORRECT]
Rationale: Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA, ALA) are found in fatty fish (salmon,
mackerel, sardines) and plant sources (flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts). Beef liver is rich
in vitamin A and iron but not omega-3s. White bread and processed cheese contain
minimal essential fatty acids and are poor nutritional choices.
Q3. A client with celiac disease asks the nurse which grain is safe to consume. Which
response is correct?
A. Wheat
B. Barley
C. Quinoa
D. Rye
Correct Answer: C. Quinoa [CORRECT]
Rationale: Celiac disease requires strict avoidance of gluten-containing grains: wheat,
barley, and rye. Quinoa is a gluten-free pseudocereal that is safe for individuals with
celiac disease. The nurse must educate the client to read labels carefully as wheat is a
common hidden ingredient in processed foods.
Q4. A nurse is caring for a client with a protein deficiency. Which laboratory finding is
most consistent with inadequate protein intake?
A. Elevated serum albumin
B. Low serum prealbumin
C. Elevated hemoglobin
D. Normal transferrin
Correct Answer: B. Low serum prealbumin [CORRECT]
Rationale: Prealbumin (transthyretin) is a sensitive, short-term indicator of protein
status with a half-life of 2-3 days. Low levels indicate inadequate protein intake or
malnutrition. Albumin has a longer half-life (20 days) and is less sensitive to acute
,changes. Elevated hemoglobin and normal transferrin do not indicate protein
deficiency.
Q5. A client asks the nurse about the primary function of dietary fiber. Which
response is most accurate?
A. Provides a concentrated source of energy
B. Promotes bowel regularity and helps lower blood cholesterol
C. Serves as the primary building block for muscle tissue
D. Facilitates absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
Correct Answer: B. Promotes bowel regularity and helps lower blood cholesterol
[CORRECT]
Rationale: Dietary fiber (soluble and insoluble) promotes gastrointestinal health by
adding bulk to stool and speeding transit time. Soluble fiber (oats, beans, apples)
binds bile acids and helps lower LDL cholesterol. Fiber does not provide energy (it is
indigestible), build muscle (protein does), or facilitate fat-soluble vitamin absorption
(dietary fat does).
Q6. A nurse is teaching a client about complete versus incomplete proteins. Which
food combination provides all essential amino acids?
A. Rice and beans
B. Apple and banana
C. Lettuce and tomato
D. Butter and sugar
Correct Answer: A. Rice and beans [CORRECT]
Rationale: Complete proteins contain all nine essential amino acids in adequate
proportions. Animal proteins are complete; plant proteins are typically incomplete
except for soy and quinoa. Complementary proteins (rice + beans, hummus + pita,
, peanut butter + bread) combine to provide all essential amino acids. Fruits,
vegetables, and pure fats/sugars lack significant protein.
Q7. A client is prescribed warfarin (Coumadin) for atrial fibrillation. The nurse should
instruct the client to maintain consistent intake of which vitamin?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin D
C. Vitamin K
D. Vitamin E
Correct Answer: C. Vitamin K [CORRECT]
Rationale: Warfarin is a vitamin K antagonist that inhibits synthesis of clotting factors
II, VII, IX, and X. Inconsistent vitamin K intake (found in leafy greens, broccoli, liver)
alters INR and increases bleeding or clotting risk. The client should maintain
consistent daily vitamin K intake rather than avoiding it entirely. Vitamins A, D, and E
do not interact with warfarin.
Q8. A nurse is reviewing a client's laboratory results and notes a serum potassium of
3.1 mEq/L. The client is taking furosemide (Lasix) daily. Which dietary instruction is
most appropriate?
A. Increase intake of bananas, oranges, potatoes, and spinach
B. Restrict all potassium-rich foods
C. Increase sodium intake to compensate
D. Discontinue the furosemide immediately
Correct Answer: A. Increase intake of bananas, oranges, potatoes, and spinach
[CORRECT]
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium wasting, leading to
hypokalemia (K+ < 3.5 mEq/L). The nurse should instruct the client to increase
dietary potassium from sources like bananas, oranges, potatoes, spinach, and dried
