Dietitians Australia DSR MCQ cheat sheet

The DSR is a national, standardised, case-based assessment of entry-level competence; both domains are scored against the same performance standards rather than against other candidates.

Dietetic practice knowledge questions test application and decision-making (assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring and evaluation) rather than isolated recall of definitions.

The Nutrition Care Process sequence is Assess, Diagnose, Intervene, Monitor and Evaluate; documentation uses standardised terminology (IDNT) so that each step is recorded consistently.

Anthropometry interpretation depends on measurement conditions: weight and height measured, not self-reported; BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)^2; waist circumference thresholds differ by sex and ethnicity.

Energy and protein requirements are estimated from validated equations (for example Mifflin-St Jeor for adults, Schofield for children) and then adjusted for activity, stress, and disease factors.

Biochemistry results are interpreted against reference ranges and clinical context; for example, low albumin is a marker of inflammation and fluid status rather than of protein intake alone.

Evidence appraisal ranks systematic reviews and randomised controlled trials above cohort and case-control studies; guidelines and position statements synthesise this hierarchy.

Food composition data come from national databases (for example AUSNUT or the Australian Food Composition Database); values vary with cooking, brand, and portion definition.

Screening and referral pathways (for example malnutrition screening tools and refeeding risk assessment) determine urgency and the level of dietetic intervention required.

Informed consent precedes assessment and intervention; capacity, voluntariness, and the right to withdraw must be confirmed and documented.

Privacy and confidentiality obligations follow national privacy principles and state health records legislation; disclosure without consent is limited to specific legal exceptions.

Scope of practice is defined by qualification, competence, and employer policy; tasks outside scope are delegated or referred, not attempted.

Client-centred counselling uses open-ended questions, reflective listening, and agenda setting; advice-giving before exploration reduces behaviour-change effectiveness.

Motivational interviewing principles are partnership, acceptance, compassion, and evocation; the practitioner avoids the righting reflex and supports client autonomy.

Health literacy and cross-cultural communication require plain language, teach-back, and accredited interpreters rather than family members for clinical discussions.

Interprofessional practice uses structured communication (for example SBAR: situation, background, assessment, recommendation) and clear role negotiation within the team.

Conflict-of-interest and professional boundaries are managed by declaring gifts, industry relationships, and dual relationships, and by avoiding exploitation of the therapeutic relationship.

Documentation must be contemporaneous, accurate, attributable, and legible; errors are corrected with a dated amendment rather than deletion.