CDN Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CDN facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. How do lipids contribute to metabolism? → They store energy, form cell membranes, and produce hormones
2. The 'fear foods' hierarchy used in eating disorder treatment is a tool derived from which theoretical framework? → Cognitive behavioral therapy
3. The Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) category that represents the highest average daily intake unlikely to cause harm in most individuals is called the: → Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL)
4. Which hormone primarily inhibits appetite by signaling satiety to the hypothalamus after a meal? → Leptin
5. How does poverty influence community nutrition? → It limits access to healthy foods
6. In the context of CDN certification, what is the most important consideration when implementing renal & cardiac nutrition? → Ensuring alignment with established standards, stakeholder needs, and best practices
7. Which complication is most associated with rapid advancement of enteral tube feeding in a critically ill patient? → Aspiration pneumonia
8. An older adult with stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD) and malnutrition requires protein guidance. Which approach is most appropriate? → Provide 1.0–1.2 g/kg/day and monitor renal function closely
9. A teenager with anorexia nervosa is being treated using Family-Based Treatment (FBT). In Phase 1, who controls the patient's food intake? → The parents
10. Which condition in older adults is characterized by loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function? → Sarcopenia
11. Which medical complication is most associated with chronic laxative abuse in bulimia nervosa? → Hypokalemia
12. Phosphate supplementation during refeeding should be initiated when serum phosphorus drops below: → 2.5 mg/dL
13. High-dose aspirin therapy can deplete which vitamin by increasing its renal tubular excretion? → Vitamin C
14. In the context of CDN certification, what is the most important consideration when implementing sports nutrition & performance? → Ensuring alignment with established standards, stakeholder needs, and best practices
15. Which psychological comorbidity is most commonly co-occurring with anorexia nervosa? → Anxiety disorders (OCD, social anxiety)
16. In the context of CDN certification, what is the most important consideration when implementing eating disorder treatment? → Ensuring alignment with established standards, stakeholder needs, and best practices
17. Scurvy results from vitamin C deficiency primarily because ascorbic acid is required for which enzymatic process? → Prolyl hydroxylase activity in collagen synthesis
18. Which of the following best describes a key competency required for sports nutrition & performance in CDN practice? → Strong analytical skills combined with effective communication and ethical judgment
19. A client consuming a vegan diet is most at risk for which combination of nutrient deficiencies? → Vitamins B12, D, calcium, and zinc
20. Which stage of the Transtheoretical Model is characterized by consistent healthy behavior maintained for more than 6 months? → Maintenance
21. A registered dietitian notices a client has strong resistance to change. According to MI principles, the best response is to: → Roll with the resistance and explore ambivalence without arguing
22. What is the recommended daily iron intake for a 12-month-old toddler? → 11 mg
23. Which assessment tool is widely used to screen for malnutrition risk in community-dwelling older adults? → Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA)
24. Patients on warfarin (Coumadin) anticoagulation therapy require careful monitoring of their intake of which vitamin? → Vitamin K
25. In motivational interviewing (MI), which technique involves reflecting back what a client has said to encourage deeper exploration? → Reflective listening
26. What is the primary function of carbohydrates in the human body? → To provide energy
27. A dietitian sets a SMART goal with a client. Which example best illustrates a SMART nutrition goal? → 'Replace one sugary beverage with water 5 days per week for the next month'
28. What is the primary advantage of a closed enteral feeding system over an open system? → Reduced risk of microbial contamination with longer hang times (up to 24–48 hours)
29. What is the role of water in metabolism? → It regulates body temperature and aids digestion
30. How does the body regulate blood sugar levels? → By secreting insulin and glucagon to regulate levels