The actual ATI RN Nutrition 2023 Proctored Exam with NGN comes with 70 screenshots
answers, a legit and effective solution for exam success in 2026
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for a low-sodium diet. Which of the
following food choices by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching? A) A ham and
cheese sandwich on whole wheat bread B) Canned tomato soup with saltine crackers C) Fresh roasted
turkey breast with steamed broccoli D) Cottage cheese with canned peach slices
Accurate answer: C Rationale: Fresh poultry and fresh vegetables are naturally low in sodium. Ham,
canned soups, crackers, and processed cheeses are high in sodium due to preservation and processing.
2. A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN). Which of the
following findings is the priority for the nurse to report to the provider? A) A weight gain of 0.5 kg
(1.1 lb) over the last 24 hours B) A blood glucose level of 210 mg/dL C) An oral temperature of 38.3°C
(101°F) D) Slight edema of the lower extremities
Accurate answer: C Rationale: Infection and sepsis are the most common complications of TPN due to
the high glucose content and central line access. A fever is a primary indicator of systemic infection and
requires immediate intervention.
3. A nurse is providing dietary teaching to a client who has chronic kidney disease (CKD). Which
of the following nutrients should the nurse instruct the client to limit? (Select All That Apply.) A)
Phosphorus B) Potassium C) Calcium D) Protein E) Vitamin C
Accurate answer: A, B, D Rationale: In CKD, the kidneys cannot effectively excrete phosphorus,
potassium, or nitrogenous waste from protein. Calcium levels often drop, requiring supplementation
rather than restriction.
4. A nurse is preparing to administer an enteral feeding via a nasogastric (NG) tube. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take first? A) Flush the tube with 30 mL of warm water B) Check
the gastric residual volume C) Verify the placement of the tube via X-ray or pH testing D) Elevate the
head of the bed to 45 degrees
Accurate answer: C Rationale: Safety first: The nurse must verify tube placement before any
administration to prevent aspiration into the lungs. X-ray is the gold standard, followed by pH testing of
aspirate.
5. A nurse is teaching the parents of a toddler about appropriate snack foods. Which of the
following foods should the nurse recommend to prevent choking? A) Whole grapes B) Popcorn C)
Sliced bananas D) Raw baby carrots
Accurate answer: C Rationale: Sliced bananas are soft and easily mashed. Whole grapes, popcorn, and
raw carrots are firm, round, or small enough to easily obstruct a toddler's narrow airway.
,6. A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 days postoperative following a partial gastrectomy. The
nurse should monitor the client for which of the following manifestations of dumping syndrome?
A) Bradycardia and hypertension B) Dizziness, palpitations, and diaphoresis C) Constipation and
abdominal distension D) Increased appetite and weight gain
Accurate answer: B Rationale: Dumping syndrome occurs when high-osmolar food enters the small
intestine rapidly, causing a fluid shift. This results in vasomotor symptoms like dizziness, tachycardia
(palpitations), and sweating (diaphoresis).
7. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of carbohydrate
counting? A) "I should avoid all carbohydrates in my diet." B) "I can eat as much protein as I want as
long as I limit carbs." C) "I need to maintain a consistent intake of carbohydrates at each meal." D)
"Carbohydrate counting is only necessary if I am using insulin."
Accurate answer: C Rationale: Consistency in carbohydrate intake helps maintain stable blood glucose
levels throughout the day and prevents extreme fluctuations.
8. A nurse is assessing a client's nutritional status. Which of the following laboratory values is the
most sensitive indicator of recent protein intake and acute nutritional changes? A) Serum
Albumin B) Prealbumin C) Hemoglobin D) Total Cholesterol
Accurate answer: B Rationale: Prealbumin has a half-life of only 2 days, making it a highly sensitive
marker for acute changes. Albumin has a half-life of 20 days and reflects long-term nutritional status.
9. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving continuous enteral feedings. The nurse notes that
the client has developed three loose stools in the last 4 hours. Which of the following actions
should the nurse take? A) Discontinue the feeding immediately B) Increase the rate of the feeding to
compensate for fluid loss C) Review the client's medication record for sorbitol-containing elixirs D)
Switch the feeding to a high-fiber formula
Accurate answer: C Rationale: Diarrhea in tube-fed clients is often caused by medications containing
sorbitol or the osmolality of the formula. The nurse should investigate the cause before changing the
feeding regimen.
10. A nurse is teaching a client about a heart-healthy diet. Which of the following fats should the
nurse encourage the client to include in their diet? A) Saturated fats found in butter B) Trans fats
found in stick margarine C) Monounsaturated fats found in olive oil D) Hydrogenated fats found in
shortening
Accurate answer: C Rationale: Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats help lower LDL cholesterol.
Saturated, trans, and hydrogenated fats increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
, Case Study: Questions 11-13
Client Profile: A 72-year-old male with a history of heart failure and dysphagia
following a stroke. He is currently prescribed a mechanically altered diet with
thickened liquids (honey consistency).
11. Which of the following food items is appropriate for this client? A) Plain yogurt with whole
blueberries B) Mashed potatoes with gravy C) Chicken noodle soup with crackers D) Scrambled eggs
with dry toast
Accurate answer: B Rationale: Mashed potatoes are smooth and mechanically altered. Gravy adds
moisture. Whole berries, thin soup broth, and dry toast are high aspiration risks for dysphagia.
12. The nurse observes the client coughing frequently while drinking his thickened water. What
is the nurse's priority action? A) Encourage the client to take smaller sips B) Notify the speech-
language pathologist for a re-evaluation C) Place the client on NPO status until further assessment D)
Suction the client's oropharynx
Accurate answer: C Rationale: Coughing during intake is a sign of aspiration. The priority is to stop all
oral intake (NPO) to prevent further pulmonary complications until a formal assessment is completed.
13. The client's daughter asks why her father cannot have regular water. Which response by the
nurse is most appropriate? A) "Thin liquids move too quickly and can enter his lungs, causing
pneumonia." B) "Thickened liquids provide more calories to help him heal." C) "Regular water interferes
with his heart failure medications." ) "It is just a standard precaution for all patients who have had a
stroke."
Accurate answer: A Rationale: This provides a clear, physiological explanation of the risk of aspiration
associated with thin liquids in clients with impaired swallowing reflexes.
14. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is pregnant and has a BMI of 28. Which of the
following statements should the nurse include regarding weight gain during pregnancy? A) "You
should aim to gain 25 to 35 pounds." B) "You should aim to gain 15 to 25 pounds." C) "You should not
gain any weight during the first trimester." D) "Weight gain is not a concern as long as you eat healthy."
Accurate answer: B Rationale: For a client with a BMI in the overweight category (25–29.9), the
recommended weight gain is 15–25 lbs. 25–35 lbs is for a normal BMI.
15. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving TPN through a central venous catheter. The TPN
bag is empty, and the next bag is not yet available from the pharmacy. Which of the following
solutions should the nurse administer until the new TPN bag arrives? A) 0.9% Sodium Chloride B)
Lactated Ringer's C) 10% Dextrose in water (D10W) D) 5% Dextrose in 0.45% Sodium Chloride
answers, a legit and effective solution for exam success in 2026
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for a low-sodium diet. Which of the
following food choices by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching? A) A ham and
cheese sandwich on whole wheat bread B) Canned tomato soup with saltine crackers C) Fresh roasted
turkey breast with steamed broccoli D) Cottage cheese with canned peach slices
Accurate answer: C Rationale: Fresh poultry and fresh vegetables are naturally low in sodium. Ham,
canned soups, crackers, and processed cheeses are high in sodium due to preservation and processing.
2. A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN). Which of the
following findings is the priority for the nurse to report to the provider? A) A weight gain of 0.5 kg
(1.1 lb) over the last 24 hours B) A blood glucose level of 210 mg/dL C) An oral temperature of 38.3°C
(101°F) D) Slight edema of the lower extremities
Accurate answer: C Rationale: Infection and sepsis are the most common complications of TPN due to
the high glucose content and central line access. A fever is a primary indicator of systemic infection and
requires immediate intervention.
3. A nurse is providing dietary teaching to a client who has chronic kidney disease (CKD). Which
of the following nutrients should the nurse instruct the client to limit? (Select All That Apply.) A)
Phosphorus B) Potassium C) Calcium D) Protein E) Vitamin C
Accurate answer: A, B, D Rationale: In CKD, the kidneys cannot effectively excrete phosphorus,
potassium, or nitrogenous waste from protein. Calcium levels often drop, requiring supplementation
rather than restriction.
4. A nurse is preparing to administer an enteral feeding via a nasogastric (NG) tube. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take first? A) Flush the tube with 30 mL of warm water B) Check
the gastric residual volume C) Verify the placement of the tube via X-ray or pH testing D) Elevate the
head of the bed to 45 degrees
Accurate answer: C Rationale: Safety first: The nurse must verify tube placement before any
administration to prevent aspiration into the lungs. X-ray is the gold standard, followed by pH testing of
aspirate.
5. A nurse is teaching the parents of a toddler about appropriate snack foods. Which of the
following foods should the nurse recommend to prevent choking? A) Whole grapes B) Popcorn C)
Sliced bananas D) Raw baby carrots
Accurate answer: C Rationale: Sliced bananas are soft and easily mashed. Whole grapes, popcorn, and
raw carrots are firm, round, or small enough to easily obstruct a toddler's narrow airway.
,6. A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 days postoperative following a partial gastrectomy. The
nurse should monitor the client for which of the following manifestations of dumping syndrome?
A) Bradycardia and hypertension B) Dizziness, palpitations, and diaphoresis C) Constipation and
abdominal distension D) Increased appetite and weight gain
Accurate answer: B Rationale: Dumping syndrome occurs when high-osmolar food enters the small
intestine rapidly, causing a fluid shift. This results in vasomotor symptoms like dizziness, tachycardia
(palpitations), and sweating (diaphoresis).
7. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of carbohydrate
counting? A) "I should avoid all carbohydrates in my diet." B) "I can eat as much protein as I want as
long as I limit carbs." C) "I need to maintain a consistent intake of carbohydrates at each meal." D)
"Carbohydrate counting is only necessary if I am using insulin."
Accurate answer: C Rationale: Consistency in carbohydrate intake helps maintain stable blood glucose
levels throughout the day and prevents extreme fluctuations.
8. A nurse is assessing a client's nutritional status. Which of the following laboratory values is the
most sensitive indicator of recent protein intake and acute nutritional changes? A) Serum
Albumin B) Prealbumin C) Hemoglobin D) Total Cholesterol
Accurate answer: B Rationale: Prealbumin has a half-life of only 2 days, making it a highly sensitive
marker for acute changes. Albumin has a half-life of 20 days and reflects long-term nutritional status.
9. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving continuous enteral feedings. The nurse notes that
the client has developed three loose stools in the last 4 hours. Which of the following actions
should the nurse take? A) Discontinue the feeding immediately B) Increase the rate of the feeding to
compensate for fluid loss C) Review the client's medication record for sorbitol-containing elixirs D)
Switch the feeding to a high-fiber formula
Accurate answer: C Rationale: Diarrhea in tube-fed clients is often caused by medications containing
sorbitol or the osmolality of the formula. The nurse should investigate the cause before changing the
feeding regimen.
10. A nurse is teaching a client about a heart-healthy diet. Which of the following fats should the
nurse encourage the client to include in their diet? A) Saturated fats found in butter B) Trans fats
found in stick margarine C) Monounsaturated fats found in olive oil D) Hydrogenated fats found in
shortening
Accurate answer: C Rationale: Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats help lower LDL cholesterol.
Saturated, trans, and hydrogenated fats increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
, Case Study: Questions 11-13
Client Profile: A 72-year-old male with a history of heart failure and dysphagia
following a stroke. He is currently prescribed a mechanically altered diet with
thickened liquids (honey consistency).
11. Which of the following food items is appropriate for this client? A) Plain yogurt with whole
blueberries B) Mashed potatoes with gravy C) Chicken noodle soup with crackers D) Scrambled eggs
with dry toast
Accurate answer: B Rationale: Mashed potatoes are smooth and mechanically altered. Gravy adds
moisture. Whole berries, thin soup broth, and dry toast are high aspiration risks for dysphagia.
12. The nurse observes the client coughing frequently while drinking his thickened water. What
is the nurse's priority action? A) Encourage the client to take smaller sips B) Notify the speech-
language pathologist for a re-evaluation C) Place the client on NPO status until further assessment D)
Suction the client's oropharynx
Accurate answer: C Rationale: Coughing during intake is a sign of aspiration. The priority is to stop all
oral intake (NPO) to prevent further pulmonary complications until a formal assessment is completed.
13. The client's daughter asks why her father cannot have regular water. Which response by the
nurse is most appropriate? A) "Thin liquids move too quickly and can enter his lungs, causing
pneumonia." B) "Thickened liquids provide more calories to help him heal." C) "Regular water interferes
with his heart failure medications." ) "It is just a standard precaution for all patients who have had a
stroke."
Accurate answer: A Rationale: This provides a clear, physiological explanation of the risk of aspiration
associated with thin liquids in clients with impaired swallowing reflexes.
14. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is pregnant and has a BMI of 28. Which of the
following statements should the nurse include regarding weight gain during pregnancy? A) "You
should aim to gain 25 to 35 pounds." B) "You should aim to gain 15 to 25 pounds." C) "You should not
gain any weight during the first trimester." D) "Weight gain is not a concern as long as you eat healthy."
Accurate answer: B Rationale: For a client with a BMI in the overweight category (25–29.9), the
recommended weight gain is 15–25 lbs. 25–35 lbs is for a normal BMI.
15. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving TPN through a central venous catheter. The TPN
bag is empty, and the next bag is not yet available from the pharmacy. Which of the following
solutions should the nurse administer until the new TPN bag arrives? A) 0.9% Sodium Chloride B)
Lactated Ringer's C) 10% Dextrose in water (D10W) D) 5% Dextrose in 0.45% Sodium Chloride
