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. A critically ill patient requires enteral nutrition but has high gastric residual volumes (GRVs). The MOST appropriate next step is to: → Advance the feeding tube to post-pyloric placement
2. How do lipids contribute to metabolism? → They store energy, form cell membranes, and produce hormones
3. Which cardiac condition most directly requires limiting dietary saturated fat to less than 7% of total calories? → Hypercholesterolemia with coronary artery disease
4. Which vitamin deficiency is most commonly associated with peripheral neuropathy, macrocytic anemia, and neurological deterioration in elderly patients? → Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
5. The 'fear foods' hierarchy used in eating disorder treatment is a tool derived from which theoretical framework? → Cognitive behavioral therapy
6. A food service operation serves 500 meals/day. If the direct labor cost is $1,850/day, what is the labor cost per meal? → $3.70
7. A female marathon runner presents with the female athlete triad. Which combination of findings is most consistent with this condition? → Low energy availability, menstrual dysfunction, low bone mineral density
8. Under the USDA NSLP (National School Lunch Program), what must a reimbursable meal include for a high school student? → 5 components with at least 3 selected by the student including ½ cup fruit or vegetable
9. Which dietary pattern is most strongly supported by evidence for secondary prevention of myocardial infarction? → Mediterranean diet
10. 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)
11. Which purchasing method involves negotiating a price for a set quantity of product to be delivered over a defined time period (e.g., 3 months)? → Firm price/contract buying
12. A client following a very-low-calorie diet (VLCD, <800 kcal/day) is at highest risk for which nutrient deficiency without supplementation? → Micronutrient deficiencies including thiamin, folate, and iron
13. Which hormone primarily inhibits appetite by signaling satiety to the hypothalamus after a meal? → Leptin
14. How does poverty influence community nutrition? → It limits access to healthy foods
15. 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
16. A CKD stage 3 patient (GFR 35 mL/min) asks about protein intake. What is the recommended protein level? → 0.6-0.8 g/kg/day
17. An endurance athlete asks about sodium intake during a 4-hour ultramarathon. What is the primary reason sodium supplementation is recommended? → To prevent hyponatremia from excessive water intake
18. Which complication is most associated with rapid advancement of enteral tube feeding in a critically ill patient? → Aspiration pneumonia
19. 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
20. 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
21. The Mifflin-St Jeor equation is used clinically to estimate: → Resting metabolic rate
22. Which condition in older adults is characterized by loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function? → Sarcopenia
23. Which medical complication is most associated with chronic laxative abuse in bulimia nervosa? → Hypokalemia
24. Phosphate supplementation during refeeding should be initiated when serum phosphorus drops below: → 2.5 mg/dL
25. High-dose aspirin therapy can deplete which vitamin by increasing its renal tubular excretion? → Vitamin C
26. The 'built environment' concept in public health nutrition refers to: → Human-made surroundings that influence physical activity and food access
27. For a client who is 30% above ideal body weight, an initial weight loss goal of _____ is considered clinically meaningful for reducing comorbidities. → 3-5%
28. A climber training at sea level for a high-altitude expedition asks about beetroot juice. What is the proposed mechanism for its ergogenic benefit? → Enhancing nitric oxide production to improve oxygen delivery
29. 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
30. Which dietary pattern most effectively reduces LDL cholesterol through a mechanism involving increased bile acid excretion? → High soluble fiber diet (oats, barley, psyllium)