Nutrition and Diet Therapy Flashcards

Which vitamin deficiency causes scurvy, characterized by bleeding gums and poor wound healing?

Answer: Vitamin C

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) deficiency causes scurvy because ascorbic acid is required for collagen synthesis, which maintains blood vessel and tissue integrity.

A patient following a strict vegan diet is most at risk for deficiency in which vitamin?

Answer: Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is found almost exclusively in animal products; vegans must supplement or consume B12-fortified foods to prevent deficiency and pernicious anemia.

Which condition is most associated with deficiency of Vitamin B1 (thiamine)?

Answer: Beriberi

Beriberi results from thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency and affects the nervous and cardiovascular systems; it is common with diets based on polished white rice.

A patient with phenylketonuria (PKU) must restrict dietary intake of which substance?

Answer: Phenylalanine

PKU is an inherited metabolic disorder in which phenylalanine cannot be metabolized, so dietary restriction of phenylalanine prevents toxic accumulation and neurological damage.

Which term describes the recommended daily nutrient intake level sufficient to meet the needs of 97–98% of healthy individuals in a given age and gender group?

Answer: Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)

The RDA is set at 2 standard deviations above the EAR and is designed to cover the nutrient needs of 97–98% of healthy people in a specific group.

A patient is ordered a mechanically altered diet. Which food modification is most appropriate?

Answer: Pureed or minced foods that require minimal chewing

A mechanically altered diet consists of pureed, minced, or ground foods that require minimal chewing, appropriate for patients with dysphagia or dental issues.

Which electrolyte is the primary regulator of extracellular fluid volume and is the most abundant cation outside the cell?

Answer: Sodium

Sodium is the dominant extracellular cation and the primary determinant of extracellular fluid volume and osmolality; excess intake is linked to hypertension.