RD Dietitian Practice 2026 practice questions and answers. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q11When the body requires glucose and carbohydrates are not available, certain amino acids are used in gluconeogenesis. Which of the following is considered a glucogenic amino acid?
✓ Correct answer: A. Alanine
Answer: Alanine Alanine is a glucogenic amino acid, which means it can be converted into glucose through gluconeogenesis. This process is particularly important when the body is low on carbohydrates, as it helps maintain blood glucose levels. Leucine and lysine are examples of ketogenic amino acids, which cannot be converted into glucose but instead are usually converted into ketone bodies. Valine is also a glucogenic amino acid, but the question asks for a specific example, and alanine is one of the primary glucogenic amino acids used by the liver for gluconeogenesis.
Q12What is lactose, the primary sugar found in cow's milk, made up of?
✓ Correct answer: C. Glucose and galactose
Answer: Glucose and galactose. Lactose is a disaccharide sugar composed of glucose and galactose. It is commonly found in milk and dairy products. Knowing the composition of various disaccharides is essential in dietetics.
Q13A group of athletes follows a specific dietary regime. Based on the following data, evaluate which athlete is at most risk for iron deficiency related to their training volume. Athlete Iron Intake (mg/day) Iron Loss (mg/day) Athlete A 18 mg 20 mg Athlete B 25 mg 19 mg Athlete C 30 mg 15 mg
✓ Correct answer: A. Athlete A
Athlete A is at most risk for iron deficiency because they have a negative iron balance: Iron intake (18 mg) minus Iron loss (20 mg) results in a net loss of 2 mg per day. Athlete B has a neutral balance with intake and loss both at 25 mg and 19 mg respectively, while Athlete C has a positive balance, with more iron intake (30 mg) than loss (15 mg).
Q14Which of the following is classified as non-digestible dietary fiber?
✓ Correct answer: C. Cellulose
Answer: Cellulose Cellulose is classified as non-digestible dietary fiber because it is not broken down by human enzymes during digestion. Maltodextrin is a digestible fiber used as a filler or thickener in foods. Pectin is a soluble fiber that is partially digestible. Lactose is a sugar, not a fiber, and is digestible by lactase enzyme.
Q15Which of the following is not a standard section in the nutritional care process document?
✓ Correct answer: A. Standardized by The Joint Commission
Answer: Standardized by The Joint Commission The nutritional care process document consists of sections such as Assessment, Diagnosis, Intervention, and Monitoring/Evaluation. The Joint Commission does not standardize these documents.
Q16A male patient on an enteral nutrition plan is receiving a standard formula. Calculate his carbohydrate infusion rate in mg/kg/min using the provided data: Patient Info Value Weight 70 kg Height 178 cm Feed Rate 60 mL/hr Carb Concentration 50 g/L
✓ Correct answer: B. 714.29 mg/kg/min
To calculate the carbohydrate infusion rate (CHO infusion rate), use the formula: $$ \text{CHO infusion rate} = \frac{\text{Feed Rate (mL/hr)} \times \text{Carb Conc (g/L)} \times 1000 (\text{mg/g})}{\text{Weight (kg)} \times 60 (\text{min/hr})} $$ Substitute in the values: $$ \text{CHO infusion rate} = \frac{60 \times 50 \times 1000}{70 \times 60} = 714.29 \text{ mg/kg/min} $$
Q17Which of the following patterns is most consistent with liver failure?
✓ Correct answer: B. Pattern Blood Test Indicators Consistent with Liver Failure High bilirubin, low albumin, high AST and ALT
Answer: High bilirubin, low albumin, high AST and ALT These blood test indicators are typical in liver failure due to the liver's reduced ability to process bilirubin, produce albumin, and manage liver enzymes.
Q18Which of the following meals provides an additional health benefit beyond basic nutrition?
✓ Correct answer: A. Grilled chicken salad with spinach, walnuts, and salmon
The grilled chicken salad with spinach, walnuts, and salmon provides additional health benefits because it includes functional foods such as spinach and salmon. Spinach is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, while salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids known for their anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits. Comparatively, the other meals lack similar components offering additional health benefits beyond regular nutrition.
Q19What dietary recommendation is appropriate for an individual with cystic fibrosis? Condition Nutritional Needs Recommended Supplements Cystic Fibrosis High-calorie, high-protein diet Pancreatic enzymes, fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)
✓ Correct answer: B. Consume a high-calorie and high-protein diet with pancreatic enzyme supplementation
Answer: Consume a high-calorie and high-protein diet with pancreatic enzyme supplementation Individuals with cystic fibrosis have increased energy needs due to compromised lung function and also often experience difficulties with digestion due to pancreatic insufficiency. Hence, a high-calorie and high-protein diet with pancreatic enzyme supplementation is recommended to meet these needs and support digestive health.
Q20Which of the following assessment methodologies is considered the least effective in conducting a nutrition assessment for a patient due to potential inaccuracies? Assessment Methodology Description 24-Hour Dietary Recall Patient reports all food and beverages consumed in the past 24 hours Food Frequency Questionnaire Patient checks how often certain foods were consumed Direct Observation Meal intakes are recorded and observed directly by a healthcare professional Diet History Detailed interview about usual dietary intake and eating habits over a longer period
✓ Correct answer: B. 24-Hour Dietary Recall
The 24-Hour Dietary Recall relies heavily on the patient's memory, which can be unreliable, making it less effective compared to methodologies that involve or encourage more precise collection of dietary data, such as Direct Observation or a cyclic Diet History. The potential for underreporting or overreporting can lead to inaccuracies.
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