N225 | N225 Final Exam: Nutrition - WCU Updated
and Latest Questions and Correct Answers with
Rationale
1. A nurse is teaching a client about the energy content of macronutrients. Which of the
following should the nurse identify as providing the highest amount of energy per gram?
A. Fats
B. Proteins
C. Carbohydrates
D. Alcohol
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Fats provide 9 calories per gram, which is more than double the energy
provided by carbohydrates or proteins. This high caloric density makes fats a very efficient
storage form of energy for the body. In contrast, carbohydrates and proteins provide 4
calories per gram while alcohol provides 7. Understanding caloric density helps patients
manage their weight through informed dietary choices. Proper education on
macronutrients is essential for maintaining a balanced and healthy metabolism.
2. Which of the following interventions should the nurse perform to help prevent aspiration
for a client receiving enteral tube feedings?
A. Position the client on their left side during feeding.
B. Administer the feeding as a rapid bolus.
C. Keep the head of the bed elevated at 30 to 45 degrees.
D. Check gastric residual volumes every 12 hours.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed at 30 to 45 degrees uses gravity to keep the
formula in the stomach. This position significantly reduces the risk of gastric contents
refluxing into the esophagus and airway. Aspiration is a serious complication of enteral
feeding that can lead to pneumonia or respiratory distress. Nurses must maintain this
elevation during the feeding and for at least 30 to 60 minutes afterward. Continuous
monitoring and proper positioning are fundamental standards of care for tube-fed patients.
3. A nurse is providing education to a pregnant client about preventing neural tube defects.
Which supplement is most important to discuss?
A. Vitamin C
B. Folic acid
,C. Calcium
D. Iron
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Folic acid is a B-vitamin that plays a critical role in the development of the fetal
spinal cord and brain. Adequate intake before and during early pregnancy is proven to
reduce the incidence of neural tube defects like spina bifida. The recommended daily intake
for most pregnant women is at least 400 to 600 micrograms. Many health organizations
suggest supplementation because it is often difficult to get sufficient amounts from food
alone. This preventive measure is one of the most effective nutritional interventions in
prenatal care.
4. A client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is prescribed a diet that restricts certain
minerals. Which of the following should the nurse instruct the client to limit?
A. Vitamin D
B. Fiber
C. Iron
D. Potassium
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Chronic kidney disease impairs the kidneys’ ability to filter and excrete excess
potassium from the bloodstream. High levels of potassium, known as hyperkalemia, can
lead to dangerous cardiac arrhythmias or even cardiac arrest. Patients must be taught to
avoid high-potassium foods like bananas, potatoes, and spinach. Management of
electrolytes is a cornerstone of nutritional therapy in renal failure patients to prevent acute
complications. Frequent laboratory monitoring is necessary to adjust dietary restrictions
based on the patient’s current kidney function.
5. What is the primary function of carbohydrates in the human body?
A. Tissue repair and growth
B. Providing the preferred source of energy
C. Storage of fat-soluble vitamins
D. Regulation of body temperature
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Carbohydrates are the body’s primary and most efficient source of fuel for the
brain and muscles. They are broken down into glucose, which is used immediately or
stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles. When carbohydrate intake is sufficient, the
body does not have to break down protein for energy, which is known as protein-sparing.
Simple carbohydrates provide quick energy, while complex carbohydrates offer a more
, sustained release. Maintaining adequate carbohydrate levels is essential for supporting
daily physical activity and cognitive function.
6. A nurse is caring for a client with a BMI of 32. How should the nurse classify this client’s
weight status?
A. Obese
B. Normal weight
C. Overweight
D. Underweight
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Body Mass Index (BMI) is a standard tool used to categorize weight based on
height and weight. A BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight, while a BMI of 30
or higher is classified as obese. Obesity increases the risk for various health conditions,
including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This classification helps healthcare
providers assess health risks and develop appropriate weight management plans. Nurses
play a key role in screening and counseling patients regarding their BMI status.
7. Which vitamin deficiency is associated with scurvy?
A. Vitamin C
B. Vitamin B12
C. Vitamin A
D. Vitamin D
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen, which is the structural
protein for connective tissues. Scurvy is the clinical manifestation of severe Vitamin C
deficiency, characterized by bleeding gums and poor wound healing. While rare in modern
developed nations, it can occur in individuals with very restrictive diets or severe
malabsorption issues. Citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers are excellent sources of
this water-soluble vitamin. Regular intake is necessary because the human body cannot
store Vitamin C for long periods.
8. Which of the following food items should a nurse recommend to a client who needs to
increase their intake of Omega-3 fatty acids?
A. White bread
B. Chicken breast
C. Whole milk
D. Salmon
and Latest Questions and Correct Answers with
Rationale
1. A nurse is teaching a client about the energy content of macronutrients. Which of the
following should the nurse identify as providing the highest amount of energy per gram?
A. Fats
B. Proteins
C. Carbohydrates
D. Alcohol
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Fats provide 9 calories per gram, which is more than double the energy
provided by carbohydrates or proteins. This high caloric density makes fats a very efficient
storage form of energy for the body. In contrast, carbohydrates and proteins provide 4
calories per gram while alcohol provides 7. Understanding caloric density helps patients
manage their weight through informed dietary choices. Proper education on
macronutrients is essential for maintaining a balanced and healthy metabolism.
2. Which of the following interventions should the nurse perform to help prevent aspiration
for a client receiving enteral tube feedings?
A. Position the client on their left side during feeding.
B. Administer the feeding as a rapid bolus.
C. Keep the head of the bed elevated at 30 to 45 degrees.
D. Check gastric residual volumes every 12 hours.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed at 30 to 45 degrees uses gravity to keep the
formula in the stomach. This position significantly reduces the risk of gastric contents
refluxing into the esophagus and airway. Aspiration is a serious complication of enteral
feeding that can lead to pneumonia or respiratory distress. Nurses must maintain this
elevation during the feeding and for at least 30 to 60 minutes afterward. Continuous
monitoring and proper positioning are fundamental standards of care for tube-fed patients.
3. A nurse is providing education to a pregnant client about preventing neural tube defects.
Which supplement is most important to discuss?
A. Vitamin C
B. Folic acid
,C. Calcium
D. Iron
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Folic acid is a B-vitamin that plays a critical role in the development of the fetal
spinal cord and brain. Adequate intake before and during early pregnancy is proven to
reduce the incidence of neural tube defects like spina bifida. The recommended daily intake
for most pregnant women is at least 400 to 600 micrograms. Many health organizations
suggest supplementation because it is often difficult to get sufficient amounts from food
alone. This preventive measure is one of the most effective nutritional interventions in
prenatal care.
4. A client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is prescribed a diet that restricts certain
minerals. Which of the following should the nurse instruct the client to limit?
A. Vitamin D
B. Fiber
C. Iron
D. Potassium
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Chronic kidney disease impairs the kidneys’ ability to filter and excrete excess
potassium from the bloodstream. High levels of potassium, known as hyperkalemia, can
lead to dangerous cardiac arrhythmias or even cardiac arrest. Patients must be taught to
avoid high-potassium foods like bananas, potatoes, and spinach. Management of
electrolytes is a cornerstone of nutritional therapy in renal failure patients to prevent acute
complications. Frequent laboratory monitoring is necessary to adjust dietary restrictions
based on the patient’s current kidney function.
5. What is the primary function of carbohydrates in the human body?
A. Tissue repair and growth
B. Providing the preferred source of energy
C. Storage of fat-soluble vitamins
D. Regulation of body temperature
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Carbohydrates are the body’s primary and most efficient source of fuel for the
brain and muscles. They are broken down into glucose, which is used immediately or
stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles. When carbohydrate intake is sufficient, the
body does not have to break down protein for energy, which is known as protein-sparing.
Simple carbohydrates provide quick energy, while complex carbohydrates offer a more
, sustained release. Maintaining adequate carbohydrate levels is essential for supporting
daily physical activity and cognitive function.
6. A nurse is caring for a client with a BMI of 32. How should the nurse classify this client’s
weight status?
A. Obese
B. Normal weight
C. Overweight
D. Underweight
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Body Mass Index (BMI) is a standard tool used to categorize weight based on
height and weight. A BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight, while a BMI of 30
or higher is classified as obese. Obesity increases the risk for various health conditions,
including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This classification helps healthcare
providers assess health risks and develop appropriate weight management plans. Nurses
play a key role in screening and counseling patients regarding their BMI status.
7. Which vitamin deficiency is associated with scurvy?
A. Vitamin C
B. Vitamin B12
C. Vitamin A
D. Vitamin D
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen, which is the structural
protein for connective tissues. Scurvy is the clinical manifestation of severe Vitamin C
deficiency, characterized by bleeding gums and poor wound healing. While rare in modern
developed nations, it can occur in individuals with very restrictive diets or severe
malabsorption issues. Citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers are excellent sources of
this water-soluble vitamin. Regular intake is necessary because the human body cannot
store Vitamin C for long periods.
8. Which of the following food items should a nurse recommend to a client who needs to
increase their intake of Omega-3 fatty acids?
A. White bread
B. Chicken breast
C. Whole milk
D. Salmon
