LPN Nutrition and Nutritional Care

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Sample questions from LPN Nutrition and Nutritional Care

This material has 90 questions with answers and rationales. Here are the first 5.

1. 1.At change of shift, a practical nurse receives report on four clients. Which client should the nurse report to the RN first?

   • A.A client with a prescribed low-sodium diet who asks for help choosing lunch
   • B.A client who ate half of breakfast and requests a preferred snack
   • C.A client with diabetes whose premeal glucose is 154 mg/dL
   • D.A client receiving tube feeding who has a new cough and oxygen saturation of 89%

   Rationale: The new cough and oxygen saturation of 89% during tube feeding suggest possible aspiration and require prompt reporting and action under facility protocol. The diet-selection request, glucose value, and reduced intake need follow-up but are less urgent in the absence of acute symptoms. Prioritize airway and breathing concerns over routine nutrition needs.

2. 2.In a rehabilitation unit, a client with dysphagia has a prescription for a pureed diet and mildly thick liquids. Which actions should the practical nurse take while assisting with meals? Select all that apply.

   • A.Position the client upright for eating
   • B.Verify that the meal matches the prescribed texture and liquid consistency
   • C.Use a straw for all liquids to speed intake
   • D.Offer small bites and allow time to swallow
   • E.Keep the client upright after the meal as directed by the care plan

   Rationale: Checking the prescribed texture, upright positioning, small bites, and remaining upright after eating help reduce aspiration risk and support safe intake. A straw is not appropriate for every client with dysphagia and should be used only if specifically recommended. Follow the prescribed swallowing plan and report coughing or a wet voice.

3. 3.The provider prescribes ferrous sulfate for a pregnant client with iron-deficiency anemia. Which instruction should the practical nurse reinforce?

   • A.Expect stools to become darker while taking the medication
   • B.Take the medication with milk to improve absorption
   • C.Stop the medication if constipation occurs
   • D.Take the medication with an antacid

   Rationale: Dark stools are an expected effect of oral iron and should be distinguished from concerning symptoms such as tarry stools with weakness. Milk and antacids can reduce iron absorption, so they should not be taken at the same time. Constipation may occur; the client should discuss persistent effects with the provider rather than stopping the medication independently.

4. 4.In a long-term care facility, an older adult has eaten less than one-quarter of each meal for 2 days. Which action should the practical nurse take first?

   • A.Request an appetite stimulant from the provider
   • B.Ask dietary services to remove the client's meal tray
   • C.Document the intake and report the change to the RN
   • D.Tell the client that eating more will prevent weakness

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.

5. 5.Refer to the client's chart. Which action should the practical nurse take in response to the change in the client's nutritional status?

   • A.Increase the prescribed tube-feeding rate
   • B.Report the declining intake and weight trend to the RN
   • C.Withhold all oral fluids until the next provider visit
   • D.Document that the weight change is expected with aging

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.