Healthcare and Nursing Nutrition & Dietary Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which laboratory value is the best indicator of a patient's long-term nutritional status?
- Albumin (Correct answer)
- Hemoglobin
- Serum glucose
- White blood cell count
Correct answer: Albumin
Albumin, with a half-life of about 20 days, reflects protein stores over weeks and is a reliable marker of chronic nutritional status.
Question 2: A patient is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which complication should the nurse monitor for most closely?
- Hypoglycemia
- Hyperglycemia (Correct answer)
- Hyponatremia
- Hypothermia
Correct answer: Hyperglycemia
TPN solutions are high in dextrose, placing patients at significant risk for hyperglycemia, which requires frequent blood glucose monitoring.
Question 3: Which mineral is essential for wound healing and immune function, and is often deficient in elderly hospitalized patients?
- Calcium
- Iron
- Zinc (Correct answer)
- Phosphorus
Correct answer: Zinc
Zinc plays a critical role in collagen synthesis and immune cell proliferation, making it essential for wound healing and fighting infection.
Question 4: What is the recommended daily protein intake (per kg of body weight) for a critically ill patient to prevent catabolism?
- 0.4–0.6 g/kg
- 0.8–1.0 g/kg
- 1.2–2.0 g/kg (Correct answer)
- 2.5–3.5 g/kg
Correct answer: 1.2–2.0 g/kg
Critical illness increases catabolism, so ASPEN guidelines recommend 1.2–2.0 g/kg/day of protein to preserve lean muscle mass.
Question 5: A nurse is assessing a patient for malnutrition. Which finding is most consistent with protein-calorie malnutrition?
- Brittle nails
- Peripheral edema and muscle wasting (Correct answer)
- Dry skin
- Constipation
Correct answer: Peripheral edema and muscle wasting
Hypoalbuminemia from protein deficiency causes decreased oncotic pressure, resulting in peripheral edema, while caloric deficit causes muscle wasting.
Question 6: Which diet modification is recommended for a patient with newly diagnosed celiac disease?
- Low-fat diet
- High-fiber diet
- Gluten-free diet (Correct answer)
- Low-sodium diet
Correct answer: Gluten-free diet
Celiac disease is an autoimmune reaction triggered by gluten (found in wheat, barley, and rye); a strict gluten-free diet is the only treatment.
Healthcare and Nursing Nutrition & Dietary Management 2
Which laboratory value is the best indicator of a patient's long-term nutritional status?