Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Registered Dietetic Technician Basic 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which monosaccharide is the primary fuel source for the brain under normal physiological conditions?
- Fructose
- Galactose
- Glucose (Correct answer)
- Ribose
Correct answer: Glucose
The brain relies predominantly on glucose for energy under normal conditions, consuming approximately 120 g per day.
Question 2: A DTR is reviewing a food frequency questionnaire. Which assessment method does this represent?
- 24-hour dietary recall
- Food record (food diary)
- Dietary history
- Food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Food frequency questionnaire (FFQ)
A food frequency questionnaire asks how often specific foods are consumed over a set period, making it useful for estimating usual intake patterns.
Question 3: Which fat-soluble vitamin acts as an antioxidant and protects cell membranes from oxidative damage?
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin E (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Vitamin E
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) is a lipid-soluble antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and protects polyunsaturated fatty acids in cell membranes.
Question 4: A patient with type 2 diabetes is being counseled on carbohydrate choices. Which concept best describes the ranking of foods by how quickly they raise blood glucose?
- Glycemic index (Correct answer)
- Nutrient density
- Thermic effect of food
- Net carbs
Correct answer: Glycemic index
The glycemic index ranks foods on a scale of 0-100 based on their effect on postprandial blood glucose relative to a reference food (glucose or white bread).
Question 5: Which enzyme, secreted by the pancreas, is responsible for breaking down dietary starches into smaller dextrins and maltose?
- Lipase
- Pepsin
- Amylase (Correct answer)
- Lactase
Correct answer: Amylase
Pancreatic amylase hydrolyzes starch into shorter chains (dextrins) and maltose in the small intestine.
Question 6: A DTR is educating a pregnant client about neural tube defect prevention. Which nutrient should be emphasized and in what amount per day?
- Iron, 27 mg/day
- Calcium, 1,300 mg/day
- Folic acid, 400-600 mcg/day (Correct answer)
- Iodine, 220 mcg/day
Correct answer: Folic acid, 400-600 mcg/day
Adequate folic acid (400 mcg before conception, 600 mcg during pregnancy) prevents neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly.
Question 7: Which standard formula type is most appropriate for a patient with intact GI function who has no special metabolic needs?
- Elemental (amino acid-based) formula
- Polymeric standard formula (Correct answer)
- Disease-specific renal formula
- Semi-elemental peptide-based formula
Correct answer: Polymeric standard formula
Polymeric formulas contain intact proteins, complex carbohydrates, and long-chain triglycerides and are suitable for patients with normal digestive capacity.
Which monosaccharide is the primary fuel source for the brain under normal physiological conditions?