NR 228 Exam 2: Nutrition, Health & Wellness -
Chamberlain University Updated and Latest Questions and
Correct Answers with Rationale
1. What is the recommended weight gain for a pregnant woman whose pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index
(BMI) is within the normal range of 18.5 to 24.9?
A. 11 to 20 pounds
B. 28 to 40 pounds
C. 15 to 25 pounds
D. 25 to 35 pounds
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The recommended weight gain for a woman with a normal pre-pregnancy BMI is 25 to 35
pounds. This range supports optimal fetal growth while minimizing maternal risks. Weight gain is
typically slower in the first trimester, usually totaling only 1 to 4 pounds. During the second and third
trimesters, a steady gain of about 1 pound per week is expected. Inadequate weight gain can lead to low
birth weight and developmental complications for the infant.
2. Which nutrient is most critical to increase during the first trimester of pregnancy to prevent neural tube
defects?
A. Vitamin C
B. Iron
C. Folic Acid
D. Calcium
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale: Folic acid is essential for the proper development of the fetal brain and spinal cord. Adequate
intake before and during early pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of neural tube defects like spina
bifida. The general recommendation for pregnant women is 600 micrograms per day from both food and
supplements. Many women are encouraged to take a prenatal vitamin containing folic acid even before
conception occurs. This water-soluble vitamin is also found in green leafy vegetables and fortified cereals.
3. A nurse is educating a parent of a 2-year-old about iron-deficiency anemia. Which dietary habit is a
common cause of this condition in toddlers?
A. Consuming lean red meat twice a week
B. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables
C. Drinking 4 ounces of 100% fruit juice daily
D. Consuming more than 24 ounces of cow’s milk per day
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Excessive intake of cow’s milk in toddlers can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, often called milk
anemia. Large amounts of milk may displace iron-rich solid foods in the child’s diet. Additionally, cow’s
milk is a poor source of iron and can interfere with the absorption of iron from other sources. Nurses
should advise parents to limit milk intake to no more than 16 to 24 ounces per day. Providing iron-
fortified cereals and meats can help ensure the toddler meets their nutritional requirements.
4. In the nutritional assessment of an older adult, the nurse notes a significant loss of muscle mass and
strength. Which term describes this condition?
A. Sarcopenia
B. Cachexia
C. Atrophy
, D. Osteopenia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function. This
condition increases the risk of falls, fractures, and physical disability in the elderly population. It is often
caused by a combination of sedentary lifestyle, hormonal changes, and inadequate protein intake.
Prevention and treatment involve regular resistance exercise and ensuring sufficient high-quality protein
consumption. Monitoring for sarcopenia is a vital part of a comprehensive geriatric nutritional
assessment.
5. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, what is the maximum recommended daily intake of
sodium for a healthy adult?
A. 1,500 mg
B. 3,000 mg
C. 2,000 mg
D. 2,300 mg
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The current Dietary Guidelines recommend that healthy adults limit sodium intake to less
than 2,300 milligrams per day. Excessive sodium consumption is closely linked to increased blood
pressure and cardiovascular disease risk. Most sodium in the American diet comes from processed and
restaurant foods rather than the salt shaker. For individuals with hypertension or pre-hypertension, a
lower limit of 1,500 mg may be advised. Reducing sodium intake requires careful reading of food labels
and choosing fresh over canned products.
Chamberlain University Updated and Latest Questions and
Correct Answers with Rationale
1. What is the recommended weight gain for a pregnant woman whose pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index
(BMI) is within the normal range of 18.5 to 24.9?
A. 11 to 20 pounds
B. 28 to 40 pounds
C. 15 to 25 pounds
D. 25 to 35 pounds
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The recommended weight gain for a woman with a normal pre-pregnancy BMI is 25 to 35
pounds. This range supports optimal fetal growth while minimizing maternal risks. Weight gain is
typically slower in the first trimester, usually totaling only 1 to 4 pounds. During the second and third
trimesters, a steady gain of about 1 pound per week is expected. Inadequate weight gain can lead to low
birth weight and developmental complications for the infant.
2. Which nutrient is most critical to increase during the first trimester of pregnancy to prevent neural tube
defects?
A. Vitamin C
B. Iron
C. Folic Acid
D. Calcium
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale: Folic acid is essential for the proper development of the fetal brain and spinal cord. Adequate
intake before and during early pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of neural tube defects like spina
bifida. The general recommendation for pregnant women is 600 micrograms per day from both food and
supplements. Many women are encouraged to take a prenatal vitamin containing folic acid even before
conception occurs. This water-soluble vitamin is also found in green leafy vegetables and fortified cereals.
3. A nurse is educating a parent of a 2-year-old about iron-deficiency anemia. Which dietary habit is a
common cause of this condition in toddlers?
A. Consuming lean red meat twice a week
B. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables
C. Drinking 4 ounces of 100% fruit juice daily
D. Consuming more than 24 ounces of cow’s milk per day
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Excessive intake of cow’s milk in toddlers can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, often called milk
anemia. Large amounts of milk may displace iron-rich solid foods in the child’s diet. Additionally, cow’s
milk is a poor source of iron and can interfere with the absorption of iron from other sources. Nurses
should advise parents to limit milk intake to no more than 16 to 24 ounces per day. Providing iron-
fortified cereals and meats can help ensure the toddler meets their nutritional requirements.
4. In the nutritional assessment of an older adult, the nurse notes a significant loss of muscle mass and
strength. Which term describes this condition?
A. Sarcopenia
B. Cachexia
C. Atrophy
, D. Osteopenia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function. This
condition increases the risk of falls, fractures, and physical disability in the elderly population. It is often
caused by a combination of sedentary lifestyle, hormonal changes, and inadequate protein intake.
Prevention and treatment involve regular resistance exercise and ensuring sufficient high-quality protein
consumption. Monitoring for sarcopenia is a vital part of a comprehensive geriatric nutritional
assessment.
5. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, what is the maximum recommended daily intake of
sodium for a healthy adult?
A. 1,500 mg
B. 3,000 mg
C. 2,000 mg
D. 2,300 mg
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The current Dietary Guidelines recommend that healthy adults limit sodium intake to less
than 2,300 milligrams per day. Excessive sodium consumption is closely linked to increased blood
pressure and cardiovascular disease risk. Most sodium in the American diet comes from processed and
restaurant foods rather than the salt shaker. For individuals with hypertension or pre-hypertension, a
lower limit of 1,500 mg may be advised. Reducing sodium intake requires careful reading of food labels
and choosing fresh over canned products.
