CDN Clinical Nutrition & Assessment 5

Question 1

A patient presents with night blindness and dry, scaly skin. These clinical signs are most consistent with deficiency of:

Accepted Answer

Vitamin A

Answer

Vitamin A deficiency causes nyctalopia (night blindness) due to impaired rhodopsin synthesis and xerosis (dry, scaly skin) due to impaired epithelial differentiation.

Question 2

When assessing dietary intake in a patient with suspected metabolic syndrome, which macronutrient pattern warrants the most concern?

Accepted Answer

High intake of added sugars and refined carbohydrates

Answer

High intake of added sugars and refined carbohydrates promotes de novo lipogenesis, hypertriglyceridemia, insulin resistance, and visceral adiposity—all hallmarks of metabolic syndrome.

Question 3

A dietitian is calculating the estimated protein needs for a burn patient covering 40% TBSA. Which protein range is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

1.5–2.0 g/kg/day

Answer

Major burns cause severe catabolism and protein losses; current guidelines recommend 1.5–2.0 g/kg/day to support wound healing, immune function, and lean mass preservation.

Question 4

Which condition is characterized by fat malabsorption, steatorrhea, and is most likely to cause deficiencies of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)?

Accepted Answer

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)

Answer

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency reduces lipase and colipase secretion, impairing fat digestion and absorption, leading to steatorrhea and fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies.

Question 5

Indirect calorimetry measures energy expenditure by analyzing:

Accepted Answer

Carbon dioxide production and respiratory quotient (RQ)

Answer

Indirect calorimetry measures oxygen consumption (VO₂) and CO₂ production (VCO₂) to calculate resting energy expenditure via the Weir equation and determine the respiratory quotient.

(CDN) Certified Dietician Nutritionist Practice Test

(CDN) Certified Dietician Nutritionist Practice Test

CDN Clinical Nutrition & Assessment 5