LVN Nutrition & Diet Therapy 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient with chronic kidney disease is placed on a renal diet. Which nutrient restriction is MOST critical to prevent hyperkalemia?
- Sodium
- Potassium (Correct answer)
- Phosphorus
- Calcium
Correct answer: Potassium
Potassium restriction is essential in CKD because impaired kidneys cannot excrete potassium, leading to dangerous hyperkalemia.
Question 2: Which vitamin deficiency is MOST commonly associated with night blindness?
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin A (Correct answer)
- Vitamin K
Correct answer: Vitamin A
Vitamin A (retinol) is essential for rhodopsin production in rod cells, and its deficiency causes night blindness.
Question 3: A patient receiving tube feedings develops diarrhea. Which action should the LVN take FIRST?
- Increase the rate of feeding
- Check the osmolality of the formula (Correct answer)
- Discontinue the tube feeding
- Administer an antidiarrheal medication
Correct answer: Check the osmolality of the formula
High-osmolality formulas draw fluid into the bowel and commonly cause osmotic diarrhea, so checking the formula is the priority assessment.
Question 4: Which type of fat is MOST associated with increasing LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular disease risk?
- Monounsaturated fat
- Polyunsaturated fat
- Trans fat (Correct answer)
- Omega-3 fatty acid
Correct answer: Trans fat
Trans fats raise LDL (bad) cholesterol and lower HDL (good) cholesterol, significantly increasing cardiovascular disease risk.
Question 5: A postoperative patient is advancing from NPO to a clear liquid diet. Which item is appropriate to offer?
- Cream soup
- Orange juice with pulp
- Gelatin dessert (Correct answer)
- Milk
Correct answer: Gelatin dessert
Clear liquid diets include foods that are liquid at room temperature and leave minimal residue, such as gelatin, broth, and apple juice.
Question 6: Which mineral is essential for insulin synthesis and glucose metabolism?
- Iron
- Chromium
- Zinc (Correct answer)
- Selenium
Correct answer: Zinc
Zinc is required for the synthesis, storage, and secretion of insulin by pancreatic beta cells.
Question 7: A patient on warfarin therapy asks about dietary restrictions. The LVN should instruct the patient to maintain a consistent intake of which nutrient?
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K (Correct answer)
- Calcium
- Iron
Correct answer: Vitamin K
Vitamin K plays a key role in blood clotting and can alter warfarin's anticoagulant effect, so consistent intake is essential for stable INR levels.
LVN Nutrition & Diet Therapy 2
A patient with chronic kidney disease is placed on a renal diet.
Which nutrient restriction is MOST critical to prevent hyperkalemia?