LVN Nutrition & Diet Therapy 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient with gout should be instructed to LIMIT intake of which foods?
- Low-fat dairy products
- Complex carbohydrates
- Organ meats and shellfish (Correct answer)
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
Correct answer: Organ meats and shellfish
Organ meats and shellfish are high in purines, which metabolize to uric acid and can trigger gout attacks.
Question 2: The LVN notes a patient's albumin level is 2.8 g/dL. This finding MOST likely indicates:
- Adequate nutritional status
- Protein-calorie malnutrition (Correct answer)
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Fluid overload only
Correct answer: Protein-calorie malnutrition
Serum albumin below 3.5 g/dL indicates protein-calorie malnutrition, as albumin is a marker of visceral protein stores.
Question 3: Which dietary modification is MOST appropriate for a patient with dumping syndrome after gastric surgery?
- Eat three large meals per day
- Drink large amounts of fluids with meals
- Eat small, frequent meals and avoid simple sugars (Correct answer)
- Increase dietary fiber intake significantly
Correct answer: Eat small, frequent meals and avoid simple sugars
Small, frequent meals and avoiding simple sugars slow gastric emptying and reduce dumping syndrome symptoms.
Question 4: A patient is prescribed a high-fiber diet. Which foods should the LVN recommend to INCREASE dietary fiber?
- White bread and white rice
- Whole grains, legumes, and raw vegetables (Correct answer)
- Lean meats and dairy products
- Refined cereals and fruit juices
Correct answer: Whole grains, legumes, and raw vegetables
Whole grains, legumes, and raw vegetables are rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber.
Question 5: Which electrolyte imbalance is a common complication of nasogastric suctioning?
- Hypernatremia
- Hyperkalemia
- Hypokalemia (Correct answer)
- Hypercalcemia
Correct answer: Hypokalemia
NG suctioning removes gastric contents rich in hydrochloric acid and potassium, leading to hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis.
Question 6: Which vitamin is synthesized by the body when skin is exposed to sunlight?
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Vitamin D
Ultraviolet B radiation from sunlight converts 7-dehydrocholesterol in the skin to vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol).
Question 7: A patient with lactose intolerance needs adequate calcium intake. The BEST alternative calcium source for this patient is:
- Butter and cream
- Fortified soy milk and leafy greens (Correct answer)
- White bread and pasta
- Fruit juices
Correct answer: Fortified soy milk and leafy greens
Fortified soy milk and leafy greens like kale and bok choy provide calcium without the lactose found in dairy products.
LVN Nutrition & Diet Therapy 4
A patient with gout should be instructed to LIMIT intake of which foods?