RD Exam Practice Questions with
Verified Solutions
Which of the following carbohydrates is not a monosaccharide?
a. fructose
b. galactose
c. maltose
d. glucose - ANSWER-C. Maltose
Fructose found in fruit and is sweetest of all monosaccharides.
Galactose is derived from hydrolysis of lactose (milk sugar) during digestion. Not found
freely in foods.
Glucose is the primary monosaccharide used for energy. Generally part of sucrose
(disaccharide; glucose + fructose) or linked to lactose to form galactose (disaccharide;
glucose + lactose). When glucose is linked to another glucose molecule, it forms
maltose and is considered a disaccharide.
Which of the following statements about glycogen is true?
a. Glycogen is a long-term energy source.
b. The liver stores approximately 100 grams of glycogen.
c. Glycogen is stored primarily in the liver but also appears in skeletal and heart
muscles.
d. The glycogen found in skeletal muscles is catabolized for use anywhere in the body. -
ANSWER-B. The liver stores approximately 100 grams of glycogen.
glycogen is short-term carbohydrate storage for the body. ~100g of glycogen is stored in
the liver, which when catabolized provides ~400 kcals. About 300-400g of glycogen is
stored in the skeletal muscles, which yields less than 1600kcal. Glycogen is NOT stored
in the heart muscle. The glycogen stored in the liver provides energy anywhere in the
body, whereas the glycogen stored in the skeletal muscles provides energy only to
skeletal muscle cells. The amount of stored glycogen is sufficient to sustain an 70kg
male for approximately 1 day.
Which of the following statements about controlling blood glucose levels is false?
a. Beta cells in the islets of Langerhans produce insulin, which is released when blood
glucose levels rise in response to a meal.
b. Alpha cells in the islets of Langerhans secrete glucagon when the patient is fasting,
which stimulates the liver to break down glycogen to maintain blood glucose levels in
the normal range of 80 to 120 mg/dl.
c. The adrenals secrete epinephrine and norepinephrine when the patient is fasting,
which stimulates muscles to release glycogen to maintain blood glucose levels.
,d. Glucocorticoids, such as cortisol stimulate glycolysis to increase blood glucose levels.
- ANSWER-D. Glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, stimulate glycolysis to increase blood
glucose levels.
Blood glucose levels are influenced by hormones, drugs, and vagus nerve activity. The
islets of Langerhans in the pancreas produce insulin when the patient feeds and
glucagon when the patient fasts. In the postprandial period beta cells release insulin to
normalize blood glucose levels. In the fasting state, alpha cells release glucagon to
stimulate glycogenolysis, which is glycogen breakdown. Epinephrine and
norepinephrine increase glucose levels during stress by promoting catabolism of muscle
cells for glycogen and adipose cells for triglycerides. Glucocorticoids increase blood
glucose levels by stimulating gluconeogenesis, not glycolysis. Glycolysis is the
breakdown of glucose. Gluconeogenesis is glucose formation, which occurs mainly in
the liver. Glycolysis and gluconeogenesis do not occur at the same time.
Body fat performs all of the following except:
a. Provides a concentrated source of energy
b. Protects bones and internal organs by cushioning them and regulating their
temperature.
c. Provides a source of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) essential
fatty acids.
d. Aids in absorption of the fat soluble vitamins A,D,E, and K. - ANSWER-C. Provides a
source of eicosapentaenic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) essential fatty acids.
Fat plays a very important role in the body. It provides a concentrated energy, at 9 kcal
per gram, whereas protein and carbohydrate only provide 4kcal/g. Structural fat pads
cushion and protect the body from injury, especially bones and internal organs. Fat
provides a source of essential fatty acids, which the body does not manufacture, but
mostly obtain from seeds, oils, cold-water fish, or supplements. The three essential fatty
acids (EFAs) are arachnoidic, linoleic, and linolenic. EFAs are important for blood
clotting and brain development. Eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA)
derive from alpha-linolenic acid, but are not themselves essential fatty acids. Fats are
also required for the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins A,D,E, & K.
Which of the following are not essential amino acids?
a. Lysine, leucine, valine
b. Isoleucine, tryptophan, phenylalanine
c. methionine, threonine, lysine
d. tyrosine, glycine, alanine - ANSWER-D. Tyrosine, glycine, alanine.
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. There are 20 amino acids in total. Nine
AA are essential and cannot be made by the body: Isoleucine, leucine, lysine,
methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine, and histidine. Often, adults
can synthesize enough histidine, but infants and children cannot. Essential AAs must be
obtained from food. The best sources of essential AAs are animal products, such as
meat, poultry, fish, dairy, and eggs. A diet containing 10% to 12% of calories from
protein should meet essential AAs requirements. The non-essential AAs are arginine,
alanine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glutamic acid, glycine, proline,
serine, and tyrosine.
,Which of the following statements about excessive protein intake is false?
a. Excessive protein intake is difficult to achieve and, therefore, is not a danger.
b. Excessive protein intake increases calcium excretion, which can potentially lead to
osteoporosis.
c. Excessive protein in the diet is broken down in the kidneys and excreted in the urine
as urea.
d. Excessive protein intake will not help an athlete build more muscles, but will instead
convert into fat, if it is not used as an energy source. - ANSWER-A. Excessive protein
intake is difficult to achieve and, therefore, is not a danger.
The majority of Americans consume protein in excess requirements. Many people
consume at least twice as much as they need. Some excess protein becomes a calorie
source or converts to fat. Studies demonstrated an increase in calcium excretion related
to an increase in protein intake, especially animal protein, due to acidified blood. As the
digestive system breaks down large amounts of protein, the bones release calcium to
neutralize the blood. Acidified blood leads to osteoporosis in predisposed people.
Normally functioning kidneys excrete nitrogenous wastes including urea derived from
the breakdown of protein. Athletes often consume more protein in the false hope that it
will build bigger muscles. There is no benefit to massive protein intake. Actual muscle
development results form exercise, weight training, and proper nutrition.
How many grams of protein are in a meal containing 6 ounces baked fish, 1 cup cooked
pasta, 1 cup steamed broccoli, 1 slice whole wheat bread, 1 cup skim milk, 1/2cup
sliced strawberries, and 1 slice angel cake?
a. 54grams
b. 66grams
c. 75grams
d. 83grams - ANSWER-B. 66grams
In the above meal, the protein content is 66grams, as follows: fish 42grams; pasta
6grams; broccoli 4 grams. whole wheat bread 2 grams; milk 8 grams; and angel cake 3
grams.
The ADA 2007 Choose Your Foods: Exchange Lists for Meal Planning, offers a quick
way to calculate the macronutrient content of many foods:
-meats and meat substitutes contain 7 grams PRO/ ounce
-starches contain 2 to 3 grams of PRO/ serving
-vegies contain 2 grams PRO/ serving
-milk contains 8 grams per 8 ounces serving
-there is no significant PRO in fruit.
*check serving size as portion sizes vary between food items.
Kwashiorkor patients have all of the following characteristics except:
a. loss of somatic stores
b. preservation of somatic stores
c. loss of visceral protein stores
d. large, protruding abdomen - ANSWER-A. Loss of somatic stores.
, Kwashiorkor is malnutrition for lack of amino acids. It usually affects weaned children
between 12months and 3 y/o in third world countries with famine, drought, political
unrest, or traditional eating habits. The victim's diet is protein-deprived. Most calories
are derived from a restricted carbohydrate source, such as corn or sugar-water.
Kwashiorkor is uncommon in the US., where it usually appears only in severely abused
children and neglected nursing home residents. The main characteristics include
preservation of somatic or fat stores and loss of visceral protein stores. The signs and
symptoms of kwashiorkor are: A large, protruding belly; significant edema; changes in
hair and skin pigment; skin rash; fatigue; irritability; diarrhea; and decreased immune
function. Victims never reach their height potential.
Which description of marasmus is most accurate?
a. Starvation from food deprivation, with a decrease in somatic and visceral protein
stores, but subcutaneous fat stores are preserved.
b. Protein deprivation, with adequate calories from carbohydrates and depletion of
visceral protein stores, but preservation of somatic stores.
c. Severe malnutrition, with loss of subcutaneous fat and depletion of muscle mass,
followed by a breakdown in lean body mass.
d. A form of malnutrition mainly seen in the US, due to limited access to food. -
ANSWER-C. Severe malnutrition, with loss of subcutaneous fat and depletion of muscle
mass, followed by a breakdown in lean body mass.
Marasmus is severe malnutrition from lack of calories. It usually affects infants 6 to
18months old when their mother's breast milk fails and they contract chronic diarrhea
from polluted water. It can also affect children with metabolic disorders of
malabsorption. Marasmus is characterized by: decrease in somatic and subcutaneous
stores, preservation of visceral protein stores, depletion of lean body mass; pronounced
weight loss (emaciation) to 20% of normal for a given ht; large head; loose skin;
intellectual disability; depression; and failure to thrive. By contrast, kwashiorkor affects
children 1-3 y/o with depleted visceral protein stores, but somatic and subcutaneous fat
stores are preserved. Mixed malnutrition (marasmic kwashiorkor) means both calories
and protein are deficient and features of both conditions are present.
Which of the following statements about Vitamin D is false?
a. Vitamin D is activated by two hydroxylation's; the first hydroxylation occurs in the liver
and the second hydroxylation occurs in the kidneys.
b. The most active form of Vitamin D occurs after hydroxylation in the kidney to 1,25-
dihydroxyvitamin D, also known as calcitriol.
c. The most active form of vitamin D is 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and occurs after
hydroxylation in the liver.
d. The main function of Vitamin D is calcium and phosphorus homeostasis. - ANSWER-
C. The most active form of Vitamin D is 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and occurs after
hydroxylation in the liver.
Vitamin D is obtained through fortified dietary sources and sunlight exposure. Vitamin D
is activated by two hydroxylation's:
-the 1st occurs in the liver and produces 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, the main circulating
form
Verified Solutions
Which of the following carbohydrates is not a monosaccharide?
a. fructose
b. galactose
c. maltose
d. glucose - ANSWER-C. Maltose
Fructose found in fruit and is sweetest of all monosaccharides.
Galactose is derived from hydrolysis of lactose (milk sugar) during digestion. Not found
freely in foods.
Glucose is the primary monosaccharide used for energy. Generally part of sucrose
(disaccharide; glucose + fructose) or linked to lactose to form galactose (disaccharide;
glucose + lactose). When glucose is linked to another glucose molecule, it forms
maltose and is considered a disaccharide.
Which of the following statements about glycogen is true?
a. Glycogen is a long-term energy source.
b. The liver stores approximately 100 grams of glycogen.
c. Glycogen is stored primarily in the liver but also appears in skeletal and heart
muscles.
d. The glycogen found in skeletal muscles is catabolized for use anywhere in the body. -
ANSWER-B. The liver stores approximately 100 grams of glycogen.
glycogen is short-term carbohydrate storage for the body. ~100g of glycogen is stored in
the liver, which when catabolized provides ~400 kcals. About 300-400g of glycogen is
stored in the skeletal muscles, which yields less than 1600kcal. Glycogen is NOT stored
in the heart muscle. The glycogen stored in the liver provides energy anywhere in the
body, whereas the glycogen stored in the skeletal muscles provides energy only to
skeletal muscle cells. The amount of stored glycogen is sufficient to sustain an 70kg
male for approximately 1 day.
Which of the following statements about controlling blood glucose levels is false?
a. Beta cells in the islets of Langerhans produce insulin, which is released when blood
glucose levels rise in response to a meal.
b. Alpha cells in the islets of Langerhans secrete glucagon when the patient is fasting,
which stimulates the liver to break down glycogen to maintain blood glucose levels in
the normal range of 80 to 120 mg/dl.
c. The adrenals secrete epinephrine and norepinephrine when the patient is fasting,
which stimulates muscles to release glycogen to maintain blood glucose levels.
,d. Glucocorticoids, such as cortisol stimulate glycolysis to increase blood glucose levels.
- ANSWER-D. Glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, stimulate glycolysis to increase blood
glucose levels.
Blood glucose levels are influenced by hormones, drugs, and vagus nerve activity. The
islets of Langerhans in the pancreas produce insulin when the patient feeds and
glucagon when the patient fasts. In the postprandial period beta cells release insulin to
normalize blood glucose levels. In the fasting state, alpha cells release glucagon to
stimulate glycogenolysis, which is glycogen breakdown. Epinephrine and
norepinephrine increase glucose levels during stress by promoting catabolism of muscle
cells for glycogen and adipose cells for triglycerides. Glucocorticoids increase blood
glucose levels by stimulating gluconeogenesis, not glycolysis. Glycolysis is the
breakdown of glucose. Gluconeogenesis is glucose formation, which occurs mainly in
the liver. Glycolysis and gluconeogenesis do not occur at the same time.
Body fat performs all of the following except:
a. Provides a concentrated source of energy
b. Protects bones and internal organs by cushioning them and regulating their
temperature.
c. Provides a source of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) essential
fatty acids.
d. Aids in absorption of the fat soluble vitamins A,D,E, and K. - ANSWER-C. Provides a
source of eicosapentaenic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) essential fatty acids.
Fat plays a very important role in the body. It provides a concentrated energy, at 9 kcal
per gram, whereas protein and carbohydrate only provide 4kcal/g. Structural fat pads
cushion and protect the body from injury, especially bones and internal organs. Fat
provides a source of essential fatty acids, which the body does not manufacture, but
mostly obtain from seeds, oils, cold-water fish, or supplements. The three essential fatty
acids (EFAs) are arachnoidic, linoleic, and linolenic. EFAs are important for blood
clotting and brain development. Eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA)
derive from alpha-linolenic acid, but are not themselves essential fatty acids. Fats are
also required for the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins A,D,E, & K.
Which of the following are not essential amino acids?
a. Lysine, leucine, valine
b. Isoleucine, tryptophan, phenylalanine
c. methionine, threonine, lysine
d. tyrosine, glycine, alanine - ANSWER-D. Tyrosine, glycine, alanine.
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. There are 20 amino acids in total. Nine
AA are essential and cannot be made by the body: Isoleucine, leucine, lysine,
methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine, and histidine. Often, adults
can synthesize enough histidine, but infants and children cannot. Essential AAs must be
obtained from food. The best sources of essential AAs are animal products, such as
meat, poultry, fish, dairy, and eggs. A diet containing 10% to 12% of calories from
protein should meet essential AAs requirements. The non-essential AAs are arginine,
alanine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glutamic acid, glycine, proline,
serine, and tyrosine.
,Which of the following statements about excessive protein intake is false?
a. Excessive protein intake is difficult to achieve and, therefore, is not a danger.
b. Excessive protein intake increases calcium excretion, which can potentially lead to
osteoporosis.
c. Excessive protein in the diet is broken down in the kidneys and excreted in the urine
as urea.
d. Excessive protein intake will not help an athlete build more muscles, but will instead
convert into fat, if it is not used as an energy source. - ANSWER-A. Excessive protein
intake is difficult to achieve and, therefore, is not a danger.
The majority of Americans consume protein in excess requirements. Many people
consume at least twice as much as they need. Some excess protein becomes a calorie
source or converts to fat. Studies demonstrated an increase in calcium excretion related
to an increase in protein intake, especially animal protein, due to acidified blood. As the
digestive system breaks down large amounts of protein, the bones release calcium to
neutralize the blood. Acidified blood leads to osteoporosis in predisposed people.
Normally functioning kidneys excrete nitrogenous wastes including urea derived from
the breakdown of protein. Athletes often consume more protein in the false hope that it
will build bigger muscles. There is no benefit to massive protein intake. Actual muscle
development results form exercise, weight training, and proper nutrition.
How many grams of protein are in a meal containing 6 ounces baked fish, 1 cup cooked
pasta, 1 cup steamed broccoli, 1 slice whole wheat bread, 1 cup skim milk, 1/2cup
sliced strawberries, and 1 slice angel cake?
a. 54grams
b. 66grams
c. 75grams
d. 83grams - ANSWER-B. 66grams
In the above meal, the protein content is 66grams, as follows: fish 42grams; pasta
6grams; broccoli 4 grams. whole wheat bread 2 grams; milk 8 grams; and angel cake 3
grams.
The ADA 2007 Choose Your Foods: Exchange Lists for Meal Planning, offers a quick
way to calculate the macronutrient content of many foods:
-meats and meat substitutes contain 7 grams PRO/ ounce
-starches contain 2 to 3 grams of PRO/ serving
-vegies contain 2 grams PRO/ serving
-milk contains 8 grams per 8 ounces serving
-there is no significant PRO in fruit.
*check serving size as portion sizes vary between food items.
Kwashiorkor patients have all of the following characteristics except:
a. loss of somatic stores
b. preservation of somatic stores
c. loss of visceral protein stores
d. large, protruding abdomen - ANSWER-A. Loss of somatic stores.
, Kwashiorkor is malnutrition for lack of amino acids. It usually affects weaned children
between 12months and 3 y/o in third world countries with famine, drought, political
unrest, or traditional eating habits. The victim's diet is protein-deprived. Most calories
are derived from a restricted carbohydrate source, such as corn or sugar-water.
Kwashiorkor is uncommon in the US., where it usually appears only in severely abused
children and neglected nursing home residents. The main characteristics include
preservation of somatic or fat stores and loss of visceral protein stores. The signs and
symptoms of kwashiorkor are: A large, protruding belly; significant edema; changes in
hair and skin pigment; skin rash; fatigue; irritability; diarrhea; and decreased immune
function. Victims never reach their height potential.
Which description of marasmus is most accurate?
a. Starvation from food deprivation, with a decrease in somatic and visceral protein
stores, but subcutaneous fat stores are preserved.
b. Protein deprivation, with adequate calories from carbohydrates and depletion of
visceral protein stores, but preservation of somatic stores.
c. Severe malnutrition, with loss of subcutaneous fat and depletion of muscle mass,
followed by a breakdown in lean body mass.
d. A form of malnutrition mainly seen in the US, due to limited access to food. -
ANSWER-C. Severe malnutrition, with loss of subcutaneous fat and depletion of muscle
mass, followed by a breakdown in lean body mass.
Marasmus is severe malnutrition from lack of calories. It usually affects infants 6 to
18months old when their mother's breast milk fails and they contract chronic diarrhea
from polluted water. It can also affect children with metabolic disorders of
malabsorption. Marasmus is characterized by: decrease in somatic and subcutaneous
stores, preservation of visceral protein stores, depletion of lean body mass; pronounced
weight loss (emaciation) to 20% of normal for a given ht; large head; loose skin;
intellectual disability; depression; and failure to thrive. By contrast, kwashiorkor affects
children 1-3 y/o with depleted visceral protein stores, but somatic and subcutaneous fat
stores are preserved. Mixed malnutrition (marasmic kwashiorkor) means both calories
and protein are deficient and features of both conditions are present.
Which of the following statements about Vitamin D is false?
a. Vitamin D is activated by two hydroxylation's; the first hydroxylation occurs in the liver
and the second hydroxylation occurs in the kidneys.
b. The most active form of Vitamin D occurs after hydroxylation in the kidney to 1,25-
dihydroxyvitamin D, also known as calcitriol.
c. The most active form of vitamin D is 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and occurs after
hydroxylation in the liver.
d. The main function of Vitamin D is calcium and phosphorus homeostasis. - ANSWER-
C. The most active form of Vitamin D is 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and occurs after
hydroxylation in the liver.
Vitamin D is obtained through fortified dietary sources and sunlight exposure. Vitamin D
is activated by two hydroxylation's:
-the 1st occurs in the liver and produces 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, the main circulating
form
