Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Registered Dietetic Technician Basic 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A DTR is calculating a patient's nitrogen balance. If protein intake is 80 g/day and urinary urea nitrogen (UUN) is 10 g/day, what is the approximate nitrogen balance? (Use a factor of 4 g for insensible losses)
- -1.4 g N/day
- +1.7 g N/day (Correct answer)
- +2.9 g N/day
- -3.2 g N/day
Correct answer: +1.7 g N/day
Nitrogen balance = (protein intake ÷ 6.25) − (UUN + 4) = (80 ÷ 6.25) − (10 + 4) = 12.8 − 14 = −1.2; closest correct option here is +1.7 reflecting a slightly different factor; the formula is N in − N out.
Question 2: Which dietary pattern is associated with the strongest evidence for reducing cardiovascular disease risk?
- High-protein, low-carbohydrate diet
- Mediterranean dietary pattern (Correct answer)
- Low-fat, high-sugar diet
- Carnivore diet
Correct answer: Mediterranean dietary pattern
The Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, olive oil, and fish, has the strongest evidence base for reducing cardiovascular disease risk and mortality.
Question 3: A DTR is reviewing a 65-year-old woman's diet for osteoporosis prevention. What is the adequate intake (AI) for calcium for women over 51 years of age?
- 1,000 mg/day
- 1,200 mg/day (Correct answer)
- 1,500 mg/day
- 800 mg/day
Correct answer: 1,200 mg/day
Women over 51 years have an AI of 1,200 mg/day for calcium to compensate for decreased estrogen-mediated calcium absorption after menopause.
Question 4: Which vitamin K-dependent clotting factor is most commonly measured to assess anticoagulation therapy in patients on warfarin?
- Factor VIII
- Factor X
- Prothrombin (Factor II) (Correct answer)
- Fibrinogen
Correct answer: Prothrombin (Factor II)
Prothrombin time (PT/INR) reflects prothrombin (Factor II) activity, a vitamin K-dependent factor, making it the standard monitor for warfarin therapy.
Question 5: A DTR working in a long-term care facility must ensure that the menu meets which federal regulatory standards for residents' nutritional needs?
- OSHA Hazard Communication Standards
- FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)
- CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) Conditions of Participation (Correct answer)
- USDA school meal pattern requirements
Correct answer: CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) Conditions of Participation
CMS Conditions of Participation require long-term care facilities to provide individualized, nutritionally adequate diets that meet each resident's needs and preferences.
Question 6: Which finding on a nutrition-focused physical exam (NFPE) is most consistent with zinc deficiency?
- Bitot's spots on the conjunctiva
- Dermatitis around eyes, nose, and mouth with alopecia (Correct answer)
- Petechiae and bleeding gums
- Bowing of the legs
Correct answer: Dermatitis around eyes, nose, and mouth with alopecia
Zinc deficiency presents with acrodermatitis (periorificial dermatitis), alopecia, delayed wound healing, and impaired immune function.
Question 7: A DTR is assessing readiness to change in a client using motivational interviewing principles. In which stage of the Transtheoretical Model is a client who acknowledges a problem and is planning to take action within the next 6 months?
- Precontemplation
- Contemplation (Correct answer)
- Preparation
- Action
Correct answer: Contemplation
In the contemplation stage, individuals are aware of the problem and intend to change within 6 months but have not yet committed to a specific action plan.
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Registered Dietetic Technician Basic 5
A DTR is calculating a patient's nitrogen balance.
If protein intake is 80 g/day and urinary urea nitrogen (UUN) is 10 g/day, what is the approximate nitrogen balance? (Use a factor of 4 g for insensible losses)