CSG CSG Nutritional Supplementation & Therapeutic Diets 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Calcium citrate is preferred over calcium carbonate for older adults primarily because:
- It contains more elemental calcium per tablet
- It is better absorbed in low-stomach-acid environments (Correct answer)
- It has fewer drug interactions
- It is less expensive
Correct answer: It is better absorbed in low-stomach-acid environments
Calcium citrate does not require stomach acid for absorption, making it superior for older adults who commonly have hypochlorhydria or take proton pump inhibitors.
Question 2: A registered dietitian recommends a low-sodium diet for an older adult with heart failure. The typical sodium restriction is:
- Less than 500 mg/day
- Less than 1,500–2,000 mg/day (Correct answer)
- Less than 3,500 mg/day
- Less than 5,000 mg/day
Correct answer: Less than 1,500–2,000 mg/day
Guidelines for heart failure management typically recommend sodium restriction to 1,500–2,000 mg/day to reduce fluid retention and cardiac workload.
Question 3: Which B-vitamin deficiency is most commonly associated with cognitive decline and peripheral neuropathy in older adults?
- Thiamine (B1)
- Niacin (B3)
- Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) (Correct answer)
- Riboflavin (B2)
Correct answer: Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
Vitamin B12 deficiency is prevalent in older adults due to reduced intrinsic factor and gastric acid, leading to neurological symptoms and megaloblastic anemia.
Question 4: A texture-modified diet classified as IDDSI Level 4 is described as:
- Normal regular texture requiring no modification
- Pureed, smooth, and lump-free (Correct answer)
- Minced and moist with small particle sizes
- Liquidized with no solid pieces
Correct answer: Pureed, smooth, and lump-free
IDDSI Level 4 (Pureed) describes food that is smooth, cohesive, and lump-free with a pudding-like consistency, requiring no chewing.
Question 5: Which trace mineral supplementation is most appropriate for an older adult recovering from a pressure injury to support wound healing?
- Iodine
- Zinc (Correct answer)
- Selenium
- Chromium
Correct answer: Zinc
Zinc plays a critical role in collagen synthesis, immune function, and cell proliferation, making it important for wound healing in older adults with pressure injuries.
Question 6: For an older adult with osteoporosis, which combination of nutrients is MOST important for bone health?
- Iron and folate
- Calcium and vitamin D (Correct answer)
- Magnesium and vitamin C
- Phosphorus and vitamin A
Correct answer: Calcium and vitamin D
Calcium provides the structural mineral for bone, while vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption in the intestine, making both nutrients critical for osteoporosis prevention and treatment.
Calcium citrate is preferred over calcium carbonate for older adults primarily because: