Nutrition Flashcards

A nurse is reviewing lab values for a client who has been on a prolonged fat-free diet. Which vitamin deficiency is the client at highest risk for developing?

Answer: Vitamin D

Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble and require dietary fat for absorption; a fat-free diet places clients at highest risk for deficiencies in these vitamins.

Which electrolyte is most important for regulating fluid balance inside cells (intracellular fluid)?

Answer: Potassium

Potassium is the primary intracellular cation and plays the key role in regulating fluid balance within cells.

A nurse is assessing a client with suspected scurvy. Which clinical finding is most characteristic of this condition?

Answer: Bleeding gums and poor wound healing

Scurvy results from vitamin C deficiency and is characterized by impaired collagen synthesis, leading to bleeding gums and poor wound healing.

A nurse is caring for a client following bariatric surgery. Which nutrient supplement is most critical to recommend for lifelong use after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass?

Answer: Vitamin B12

Gastric bypass removes the section of the stomach and duodenum needed to produce intrinsic factor and absorb B12, requiring lifelong supplementation.

A client asks the nurse why they should choose whole grain bread over white bread. Which is the most accurate nutritional benefit of whole grains?

Answer: Higher in fiber and B vitamins

Whole grains retain the bran and germ layers, which are rich in dietary fiber, B vitamins, and minerals that are lost during the refining process.

A nurse is teaching a client about the glycemic index (GI). Which food has the lowest glycemic index and would be best for a client with type 2 diabetes?

Answer: Lentils

Lentils have a low glycemic index (around 30) due to their high fiber and protein content, which slows glucose absorption and minimizes blood sugar spikes.

A postoperative client is on a clear liquid diet. Which item is appropriate to include on this diet?

Answer: Apple juice

A clear liquid diet includes only transparent liquids such as apple juice, broth, gelatin, and water, which require minimal digestion.