CDR CDR Pediatric Nutrition 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A registered dietitian is assessing a 5-year-old with suspected celiac disease. Which nutrient deficiency is MOST commonly associated with untreated celiac disease?
- Vitamin C
- Iron (Correct answer)
- Vitamin B6
- Potassium
Correct answer: Iron
Celiac disease causes villous atrophy in the proximal small intestine, impairing iron absorption and frequently leading to iron deficiency anemia.
Question 2: Which formula is recommended as the primary nutrition source for premature infants in the NICU who cannot receive human milk?
- Standard term infant formula
- Premature infant formula with higher protein and caloric density (Correct answer)
- Whole cow's milk
- Soy-based infant formula
Correct answer: Premature infant formula with higher protein and caloric density
Premature infant formulas provide higher calories (22–24 kcal/oz), protein, calcium, and phosphorus to meet the accelerated growth needs of preterm infants.
Question 3: What is the BEST approach for managing a selective eater (picky eater) in a toddler, according to pediatric nutrition guidelines?
- Force the child to eat disliked foods to expand acceptance
- Offer 1–2 preferred foods only to ensure adequate intake
- Provide structured meals with repeated low-pressure exposure to new foods (Correct answer)
- Supplement with meal replacement shakes to cover nutritional gaps
Correct answer: Provide structured meals with repeated low-pressure exposure to new foods
Structured meals with repeated, low-pressure exposure and a division of responsibility (parent offers, child decides intake) are evidence-based strategies for picky eating.
Question 4: A school-age child with phenylketonuria (PKU) must restrict which amino acid to prevent neurological damage?
- Tyrosine
- Phenylalanine (Correct answer)
- Tryptophan
- Leucine
Correct answer: Phenylalanine
PKU is caused by a deficiency of phenylalanine hydroxylase, requiring strict dietary restriction of phenylalanine to prevent accumulation and neurotoxicity.
Question 5: Which breastfeeding characteristic makes human milk superior to infant formula for immune protection in newborns?
- Higher caloric density
- Presence of secretory IgA and lactoferrin (Correct answer)
- Higher iron concentration
- Lower lactose content
Correct answer: Presence of secretory IgA and lactoferrin
Secretory IgA and lactoferrin in breast milk provide passive immunity and inhibit pathogen growth in the infant's gut.
Question 6: An adolescent female athlete restricts dairy due to lactose intolerance. Which calcium-fortified alternative beverage provides a comparable amount of calcium per serving?
- 100% orange juice
- Fortified soy milk (Correct answer)
- Coconut water
- Sports drinks
Correct answer: Fortified soy milk
Calcium-fortified soy milk provides approximately 300 mg of calcium per cup, comparable to cow's milk, and also provides protein.
CDR CDR Pediatric Nutrition 2
A registered dietitian is assessing a 5-year-old with suspected celiac disease.
Which nutrient deficiency is MOST commonly associated with untreated celiac disease?