Nutrition and Diet Therapy Flashcards

A medical assistant is educating a patient with hypertension about diet. Which diet plan is most evidence-based for lowering blood pressure?

Answer: DASH diet

The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is clinically proven to lower blood pressure through reduced sodium and increased potassium, calcium, and magnesium intake.

Which fat is considered most harmful to cardiovascular health because it raises LDL and lowers HDL cholesterol?

Answer: Trans fat

Trans fats raise LDL ('bad') cholesterol and lower HDL ('good') cholesterol, significantly increasing cardiovascular disease risk.

A patient recovering from surgery requires increased intake of which nutrient to support wound healing and tissue repair?

Answer: Protein

Protein provides the amino acids necessary for collagen synthesis, immune function, and tissue repair after surgery.

Which water-soluble vitamin is synthesized by intestinal bacteria and is necessary for blood clotting?

Answer: Vitamin K

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin (not water-soluble) essential for activating clotting factors; it is partially synthesized by gut bacteria.

A patient with chronic kidney disease should be educated to limit intake of which mineral to prevent dangerous accumulation?

Answer: Potassium

Damaged kidneys cannot adequately excrete potassium, leading to hyperkalemia, which can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.

A patient with celiac disease must avoid which protein found in certain grains?

Answer: Gluten

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, causing intestinal damage.

How many calories per gram does fat provide?

Answer: 9

Dietary fat provides 9 calories per gram, which is more than double the caloric density of carbohydrates or protein (each 4 cal/g).