LVN Nutrition & Diet Therapy 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient with nephrotic syndrome requires increased intake of which nutrient to compensate for urinary losses?
- Carbohydrates
- Dietary fat
- Protein (Correct answer)
- Simple sugars
Correct answer: Protein
Nephrotic syndrome causes massive proteinuria, so adequate protein intake is needed to replace urinary protein losses and maintain oncotic pressure.
Question 2: The LVN is educating a patient about the DASH diet for hypertension management. Which food pattern is consistent with DASH diet principles?
- High sodium, high saturated fat, low potassium
- Low fruit intake, high processed meat, moderate alcohol
- Rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy (Correct answer)
- High refined carbohydrates and low fiber
Correct answer: Rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy
The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy while limiting sodium and saturated fat.
Question 3: Which finding is characteristic of scurvy, a vitamin C deficiency?
- Bone pain and bowed legs
- Bleeding gums and perifollicular hemorrhages (Correct answer)
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Dermatitis and diarrhea
Correct answer: Bleeding gums and perifollicular hemorrhages
Vitamin C is required for collagen synthesis; deficiency causes weakened blood vessel walls, resulting in bleeding gums and skin hemorrhages.
Question 4: A patient with phenylketonuria (PKU) must restrict which amino acid?
- Tryptophan
- Phenylalanine (Correct answer)
- Tyrosine
- Methionine
Correct answer: Phenylalanine
PKU is caused by a deficiency of phenylalanine hydroxylase, so phenylalanine must be restricted to prevent neurotoxic accumulation.
Question 5: The LVN is providing dietary teaching to a patient taking an MAOI antidepressant. Which food must be STRICTLY avoided?
- Fresh apples and pears
- Aged cheeses and cured meats (Correct answer)
- Steamed vegetables
- Unsalted crackers
Correct answer: Aged cheeses and cured meats
Aged cheeses and cured meats contain tyramine, which can cause a hypertensive crisis when MAOIs prevent its breakdown.
Question 6: Which macronutrient provides the MOST calories per gram?
- Carbohydrates (4 kcal/g)
- Protein (4 kcal/g)
- Fat (9 kcal/g) (Correct answer)
- Alcohol (5 kcal/g)
Correct answer: Fat (9 kcal/g)
Fat provides 9 kilocalories per gram, more than twice the energy density of carbohydrates or protein.
Question 7: A patient with dysphagia is at risk for aspiration. Which food texture is SAFEST for this patient?
- Thin liquids such as water and broth
- Regular solid foods cut into pieces
- Pureed foods and thickened liquids (Correct answer)
- Dry, crumbly foods like crackers
Correct answer: Pureed foods and thickened liquids
Pureed foods and nectar- or honey-thickened liquids move more slowly and cohesively, reducing aspiration risk in patients with dysphagia.
LVN Nutrition & Diet Therapy 5
A patient with nephrotic syndrome requires increased intake of which nutrient to compensate for urinary losses?