AMCA Nutrition and Patient Wellness Education

Question 1

A physician orders a 'low-sodium diet' for a patient with hypertension. The medical assistant should educate the patient to limit daily sodium intake to no more than:

Accepted Answer

2,300 mg

Answer

The American Heart Association and most clinical guidelines recommend limiting sodium to 2,300 mg per day for hypertension management, with a further reduction to 1,500 mg for higher-risk patients. The 2,300 mg threshold is the standard patient-education target.

Question 2

Which macronutrient provides the body's PREFERRED source of energy?

Accepted Answer

Carbohydrates

Answer

Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, the body's primary and most readily available fuel source. Fats provide a dense secondary energy reserve, and protein is used for energy only when carbohydrate and fat stores are depleted.

Question 3

A patient with celiac disease requires education about which dietary restriction?

Accepted Answer

Eliminating gluten-containing grains

Answer

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Strict, lifelong avoidance of these grains is the only effective treatment and must be emphasized during patient education.

Question 4

Which vitamin is synthesized by the skin upon exposure to sunlight and is critical for calcium absorption?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin D

Answer

Vitamin D (cholecalciferol) is produced in the skin when exposed to UVB radiation. It is essential for intestinal calcium absorption and bone mineralization; deficiency leads to rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.

Question 5

A diabetic patient asks about the glycemic index (GI). The medical assistant correctly explains that foods with a HIGH glycemic index:

Accepted Answer

Cause a rapid spike in blood glucose levels

Answer

High-GI foods are rapidly digested and absorbed, causing a quick and sharp rise in blood glucose. Diabetic patients are typically counseled to choose low-GI foods to achieve steadier blood sugar control.

(AMCA) American Medical Certification Association Practice Test

(AMCA) American Medical Certification Association Practice Test

AMCA Nutrition and Patient Wellness Education