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Dietitians Australia DSR MCQ study materials
Dietitians Australia DSR MCQ study resources

Dietitians Australia DSR MCQ practice questions

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Question 1Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

Which anthropometric measure is most commonly used to screen for central (abdominal) adiposity in adults?

  1. Waist circumference Correct answer.
  2. Mid-upper arm circumference
  3. Calf circumference
  4. Triceps skinfold thickness

Explanation

Waist circumference reflects the amount of visceral and subcutaneous fat around the abdomen and is the standard practical field measure for central adiposity, interpreted against sex- and population-specific cut-offs. The other measures assess limb muscle or subcutaneous fat stores rather than abdominal distribution.

Question 2Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

A patient with newly diagnosed coeliac disease asks which grain is safe to eat. Which grain is naturally gluten-free?

  1. Barley
  2. Rice Correct answer.
  3. Rye
  4. Spelt

Explanation

Gluten is a protein fraction found in wheat, barley, rye and their derivatives such as spelt, which are toxic in coeliac disease. Rice, along with maize, potato and other non-cereal starches, is naturally gluten-free and forms a core part of a gluten-free diet.

Question 3Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

Which nutrient is the most important to monitor in a patient with chronic kidney disease who is not yet on dialysis?

  1. Potassium Correct answer.
  2. Sodium
  3. Calcium
  4. Phosphorus

Explanation

In chronic kidney disease, reduced glomerular filtration impairs potassium excretion, and hyperkalaemia is a common and potentially life-threatening complication, so dietary potassium is a key monitoring target. Phosphorus and sodium also matter, but potassium retention is the most characteristic early electrolyte concern.

Question 4Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

Which hormone is primarily responsible for stimulating appetite and is often elevated after diet-induced weight loss?

  1. Glucagon
  2. Ghrelin Correct answer.
  3. Insulin
  4. Leptin

Explanation

Ghrelin is secreted mainly by the stomach and rises in the fasting state, stimulating hunger and food intake. After weight loss, circulating ghrelin tends to increase, which contributes to appetite drive and weight regain.

Question 5Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

A client reports following a vegan diet. Which nutrient most reliably requires supplementation because it is found almost exclusively in animal foods?

  1. Vitamin C
  2. Vitamin B12 Correct answer.
  3. Vitamin K
  4. Folate

Explanation

Vitamin B12 is synthesized by microorganisms and occurs naturally in meaningful amounts almost only in animal-derived foods, so vegans require a fortified source or supplement. Deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia and neurological damage.

Question 6Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

Which dietary approach is the first-line nutrition intervention for a person with mild hypertension?

  1. A reduced-sodium diet rich in fruit and vegetables Correct answer.
  2. A low-fibre, low-residue diet
  3. A high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet
  4. A ketogenic very-low-carbohydrate diet

Explanation

Reducing sodium intake and increasing potassium-rich fruit and vegetables lowers blood pressure and is the cornerstone of dietary management for mild hypertension. This pattern is consistent with established dietary approaches to stop hypertension.

Question 7Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

What is the primary purpose of the Nutrition Care Process?

  1. To replace medical diagnosis with nutrition diagnosis
  2. To determine eligibility for government food assistance
  3. To standardise dietetic practice through assessment, diagnosis, intervention and monitoring Correct answer.
  4. To calculate the cost of therapeutic diets for hospital catering

Explanation

The Nutrition Care Process provides a consistent, systematic framework of assessment, nutrition diagnosis, intervention and monitoring and evaluation. Its purpose is to improve the quality and consistency of dietetic care, not to perform medical diagnosis or administrative functions.

Question 8Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

Which food is the richest dietary source of haem iron?

  1. Fortified breakfast cereal
  2. Tofu
  3. Spinach
  4. Red meat Correct answer.

Explanation

Haem iron is found in animal flesh, and red meat is the richest common dietary source; it is absorbed more efficiently than non-haem iron. Spinach, fortified cereal and tofu provide only non-haem iron.

Question 9Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

A 70-year-old woman with a hip fracture is found to have a low bone mineral density. Which dietary change is most appropriate to support bone health?

  1. Increasing calcium and vitamin D intake Correct answer.
  2. Increasing sodium and protein intake
  3. Reducing total fat intake
  4. Reducing dietary fibre intake

Explanation

Adequate calcium provides the mineral substrate for bone, and vitamin D supports intestinal calcium absorption and bone mineralisation, so both are central to managing low bone density. Other dietary changes do not directly address the underlying deficit.

Question 10Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

A patient with type 2 diabetes wants to reduce postprandial glycaemic excursions. Which strategy is best supported by evidence?

  1. Eating carbohydrate foods with a lower glycaemic index and adequate fibre Correct answer.
  2. Eating large, infrequent meals
  3. Avoiding all carbohydrate-containing foods
  4. Consuming carbohydrate mainly as fruit juice

Explanation

Lower glycaemic index foods and higher fibre intake slow glucose absorption and blunt postprandial peaks. Individualised carbohydrate awareness, rather than elimination, is the recommended approach.

Question 11Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

Which statement best describes the role of the dietitian in enteral nutrition for a patient with a functioning gastrointestinal tract who cannot eat adequately?

  1. Enteral nutrition should be avoided until the patient can eat orally
  2. Enteral feeding should be delayed until weight loss exceeds ten percent
  3. Enteral nutrition via tube is preferred over parenteral nutrition when the gut works Correct answer.
  4. Parenteral nutrition is always preferred for convenience

Explanation

When the gastrointestinal tract is functional, enteral nutrition is preferred because it maintains gut mucosal integrity, is more physiological, and carries fewer infectious complications than parenteral nutrition. The dietitian assesses requirements, selects the formula and monitors tolerance and adequacy.

Question 12Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

A refugee family with limited income and no car needs help accessing affordable food. Which action best reflects the dietitian's role in addressing food insecurity?

  1. Advise the family to skip meals to save money
  2. Provide a strict therapeutic diet sheet and discharge
  3. Recommend expensive fortified supplements
  4. Screen for food insecurity and connect the family with community food resources Correct answer.

Explanation

Food insecurity is a social determinant of health, and dietitians should screen for it and link clients to practical resources such as food banks, community programs and assistance schemes while adapting nutrition advice to available foods. Ignoring access barriers undermines any nutrition plan.

Question 13Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

A woman with phenylketonuria is planning a pregnancy. Which nutrition action is most critical before conception?

  1. Adding a high-phenylalanine supplement
  2. Increasing protein from all sources without restriction
  3. Stopping all dietary treatment during pregnancy
  4. Strictly controlling phenylalanine intake with metabolic monitoring Correct answer.

Explanation

Maternal phenylalanine control before and during pregnancy prevents teratogenic effects on the fetus, so phenylalanine must be kept within target with regular metabolic monitoring. Uncontrolled intake, whether too high or too low, risks maternal and fetal harm.

Question 14Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

Which parameter is the most appropriate single indicator of short-term nutritional intake adequacy in a hospitalised adult?

  1. Serum albumin
  2. Recent dietary intake history and weight trend Correct answer.
  3. Total lymphocyte count
  4. Serum cholesterol

Explanation

Recent dietary intake and serial weight change directly reflect adequacy of intake and nutritional status over the short term. Serum proteins are influenced by inflammation and other factors and are poor markers of acute intake.

Question 15Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

A patient with cirrhosis and ascites has been advised to limit sodium. Which practical advice best supports this?

  1. Increase intake of canned soups and pickles
  2. Choose fresh foods and limit processed and cured products Correct answer.
  3. Add table salt at the table to taste
  4. Use salt substitutes containing potassium freely

Explanation

Most dietary sodium comes from processed and cured foods, so choosing fresh foods and limiting these products is the most effective practical strategy. Salt substitutes may be unsafe in cirrhosis because of potassium content, and adding salt or salty foods worsens fluid retention.

Question 16Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

Which statement about the glycaemic index is most accurate?

  1. It ranks foods by their blood glucose response relative to a reference food Correct answer.
  2. It is unaffected by food processing or cooking
  3. It is identical to the glycaemic load for all foods
  4. It measures the total carbohydrate content of a food

Explanation

The glycaemic index ranks carbohydrate-containing foods by the blood glucose response they produce relative to a reference food such as glucose. Glycaemic load also accounts for portion size, and processing and cooking alter the index.

Question 17Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

A person with irritable bowel syndrome reports bloating after meals. Which approach is most consistent with current dietetic guidance?

  1. A trial of a low FODMAP diet followed by structured reintroduction Correct answer.
  2. Permanent strict avoidance of all fermentable carbohydrates
  3. Elimination of all dairy products indefinitely
  4. A high-fibre diet with unlimited wheat bran

Explanation

A short trial of a low FODMAP diet followed by systematic reintroduction identifies individual triggers while preserving dietary variety and gut microbiota. Long-term unrestricted restriction is not recommended.

Question 18Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

Which factor most strongly increases energy requirements in a critically ill patient?

  1. The systemic inflammatory response to severe injury or sepsis Correct answer.
  2. Mild anxiety
  3. Mild constipation
  4. Use of a compression stocking

Explanation

Severe injury or sepsis produces a systemic inflammatory and catabolic response that raises resting energy expenditure and protein breakdown. Indirect calorimetry is preferred where available, because predictive equations can over- or underestimate needs.

Question 19Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

Which is the most appropriate first step when a client's reported food intake is inconsistent with their observed weight change?

  1. Record the discrepancy without further action
  2. Assume the client is lying and discharge them
  3. Explore possible under-reporting, measurement error and clinical causes Correct answer.
  4. Immediately prescribe a very-low-calorie diet

Explanation

Discrepancies between reported intake and weight change may reflect under-reporting, inaccurate portion estimation, fluid shifts or underlying disease, so the dietitian should explore these sensitively before acting. Assumptions or unilateral prescriptions risk harming the therapeutic relationship and the client.

Question 20Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

A pregnant woman asks about listeria risk. Which food should she avoid?

  1. Pasteurised milk
  2. Washed fresh fruit
  3. Cooked chicken
  4. Soft unpasteurised cheese Correct answer.

Explanation

Soft unpasteurised cheeses can harbour Listeria monocytogenes, which crosses the placenta and can cause miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal infection. Pasteurised dairy, well-cooked meat and washed produce are safe choices.

Question 21Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is losing weight. Which nutrition strategy is most appropriate?

  1. Small, frequent, energy- and protein-dense meals Correct answer.
  2. A strict fat-free diet
  3. Long periods of fasting to reduce carbon dioxide production
  4. A very-low-calorie diet to reduce breathing effort

Explanation

In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, weight loss and muscle wasting worsen respiratory function and prognosis, so energy- and protein-dense small meals help meet requirements without overfilling the stomach. Adequate nutrition supports respiratory muscle strength.

Question 22Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

A patient with an ileostomy reports high stoma output. Which dietary adjustment is most appropriate initially?

  1. Increase very hot and very cold beverages
  2. Increase intake of sugar-free chewing gum
  3. Increase raw vegetable and bran intake
  4. Reduce insoluble fibre and ensure adequate fluid and electrolyte intake Correct answer.

Explanation

High ileostomy output risks dehydration and electrolyte depletion, so reducing insoluble fibre and ensuring adequate fluid and electrolyte replacement is the initial priority. Soluble fibre can help thicken output once output is controlled.

Question 23Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

A patient with advanced cancer has anorexia and cachexia. Which approach best reflects current evidence?

  1. Aggressive forced feeding to reverse weight loss
  2. Early integration of nutrition support with symptom management and discussion of goals of care Correct answer.
  3. Routine high-dose vitamin supplements as the primary treatment
  4. A strict weight-loss diet

Explanation

Cancer cachexia is driven by metabolic and inflammatory changes that cannot be reversed by forced feeding, so care focuses on symptom control, maintaining intake where possible and aligning nutrition support with the patient's goals and preferences. Early integration of supportive care improves quality of life.

Question 24Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

A patient with type 1 diabetes develops hypoglycaemia after exercise. Which explanation best accounts for this?

  1. Exercise reduces insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake
  2. Exercise increases hepatic glucose output beyond insulin action
  3. Exercise has no effect on glucose metabolism
  4. Exercise increases insulin sensitivity and muscle glucose uptake Correct answer.

Explanation

Exercise increases insulin sensitivity and insulin-independent muscle glucose uptake, and these effects can persist for many hours, raising the risk of delayed hypoglycaemia. Adjusting carbohydrate and insulin around activity helps prevent it.

Question 25Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

A dietitian is asked to evaluate a new screening tool for malnutrition. Which property best indicates that the tool correctly identifies people who truly are malnourished?

  1. High sensitivity Correct answer.
  2. High inter-rater disagreement
  3. High positive predictive value alone
  4. High specificity

Explanation

Sensitivity is the proportion of truly malnourished people whom the tool correctly identifies, so a highly sensitive tool minimises false negatives and is preferred for screening. Specificity relates to correct identification of people without the condition, and predictive values depend on prevalence.

Question 26Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

Which nutrient is most likely to be inadequate in a vegan diet unless fortified foods or supplements are used?

  1. Potassium
  2. Vitamin B12 Correct answer.
  3. Dietary fibre
  4. Vitamin C

Explanation

Vitamin B12 occurs naturally almost exclusively in animal-derived foods, so vegans need fortified products or a supplement to meet requirements. Vitamin C, fibre and potassium are widely available from plant foods and are usually adequate or high in well-planned vegan diets.

Question 27Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

Which anthropometric measure is most appropriate for monitoring nutritional status in a person with significant lower-limb oedema?

  1. Triceps skinfold thickness
  2. Body mass index from standing height and weight
  3. Waist-to-hip ratio
  4. Mid-upper arm circumference Correct answer.

Explanation

Mid-upper arm circumference is relatively unaffected by peripheral oedema and can be used when weight is distorted by fluid. Body weight and BMI are unreliable when oedema inflates body mass, and skinfold measures are affected by fluid and technique variability.

Question 28Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

Which dietary component is most directly restricted in the management of advanced chronic kidney disease to control hyperphosphataemia?

  1. Dietary potassium from fresh fruit
  2. Dietary phosphate, especially from processed foods with additives Correct answer.
  3. Dietary calcium from dairy foods
  4. Dietary fibre from wholegrains

Explanation

Phosphate restriction in kidney disease focuses on limiting foods with phosphate additives, which are highly absorbed, alongside appropriate protein choices. Potassium and fibre are managed separately, and calcium intake is usually adjusted rather than simply restricted.

Question 29Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

A client with newly diagnosed coeliac disease asks which grain is safe to eat. Which option is correct?

  1. Rye
  2. Wheat
  3. Quinoa Correct answer.
  4. Barley

Explanation

Quinoa is naturally gluten-free and safe for people with coeliac disease. Wheat, barley and rye all contain gluten proteins that must be excluded from a strict gluten-free diet.

Question 30Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

Which statement best describes the role of the dietitian in nutrition support for a patient receiving parenteral nutrition?

  1. Managing the infusion pump mechanics
  2. Deciding the timing of surgical line placement
  3. Selecting the catheter insertion site
  4. Designing and monitoring the regimen, including electrolyte and fluid adjustments Correct answer.

Explanation

The dietitian designs the parenteral nutrition prescription and monitors tolerance, electrolytes, fluid balance and nutritional adequacy. Catheter placement and pump mechanics are procedural responsibilities of the medical and nursing teams.

Question 31Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

Which nutrition strategy is most appropriate for a person with dysphagia who has been assessed as safe for modified textures?

  1. Offering mixed-texture foods such as soup with chunks
  2. Increasing raw vegetable intake for fibre
  3. Encouraging thin fluids to increase hydration
  4. Providing texture-modified foods and thickened fluids as assessed Correct answer.

Explanation

Texture-modified foods and appropriately thickened fluids reduce aspiration risk when prescribed after a swallowing assessment. Thin fluids, mixed textures and hard raw vegetables may increase choking or aspiration risk.

Question 32Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

Which laboratory marker is most useful for assessing iron status in the presence of inflammation?

  1. Serum ferritin interpreted alongside C-reactive protein Correct answer.
  2. Serum iron alone
  3. Serum calcium
  4. Mean corpuscular volume alone

Explanation

Ferritin is an acute-phase reactant, so it rises with inflammation and can mask iron deficiency; interpreting it with CRP improves accuracy. Serum iron fluctuates widely, MCV changes late, and calcium is unrelated to iron status.

Question 33Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

Which dietary advice is most appropriate for reducing the risk of dental caries?

  1. Drinking sweetened beverages slowly throughout the day
  2. Limiting the frequency of sugary snacks and drinks between meals Correct answer.
  3. Increasing the total amount of fruit eaten at meals
  4. Choosing dried fruit as a between-meal snack

Explanation

Caries risk is driven largely by the frequency of sugar exposure, so reducing between-meal sugary snacks and drinks is the key dietary strategy. Dried fruit and sipped sweetened drinks prolong acid exposure, and total fruit intake is not the main issue.

Question 34Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

A patient with gout wants dietary advice to reduce flare risk. Which recommendation is best supported?

  1. Avoiding all vegetables including those high in purines
  2. Increasing fructose intake from fruit juice
  3. Increasing purine-rich organ meats for protein
  4. Limiting sugar-sweetened beverages and alcohol, especially beer Correct answer.

Explanation

Sugar-sweetened beverages and alcohol, particularly beer, raise urate and are associated with gout flares. Purine-rich organ meats should be limited, vegetables are not a major concern, and fructose-rich drinks increase urate.

Question 35Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

Which approach best reflects current dietetic practice for a person with obesity who wants to lose weight?

  1. Focusing only on the number on the scale at each visit
  2. Recommending a single macronutrient ratio for everyone
  3. Very-low-calorie diet for all clients as first line
  4. Individualised energy deficit with sustainable behaviour change and long-term support Correct answer.

Explanation

Evidence supports individualised energy deficits combined with sustainable behaviour change and ongoing support rather than a single universal approach. Very-low-calorie diets are for selected patients under supervision, and weight is only one outcome measure.

Question 36Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

Which food is a common trigger for severe allergic reactions in children and should be introduced with appropriate guidance?

  1. Peanut Correct answer.
  2. Lettuce
  3. Rice
  4. Potato

Explanation

Peanut is one of the most common food allergens causing severe reactions in children. Rice, potato and lettuce are rarely allergenic and are not typical triggers of severe reactions.

Question 37Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

A woman with gestational diabetes is advised on carbohydrate management. Which strategy is most appropriate?

  1. Increasing simple sugars to prevent ketosis
  2. Distributing carbohydrate across meals and snacks with adequate protein and fibre Correct answer.
  3. Eliminating all carbohydrate from the diet
  4. Skipping breakfast to lower fasting glucose

Explanation

Spreading carbohydrate across the day with protein and fibre helps control postprandial glucose while meeting fetal needs. Eliminating carbohydrate or skipping meals risks inadequate nutrition and ketosis.

Question 38Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

Which statement about the nutrition label is most accurate?

  1. Ingredients are listed alphabetically
  2. The first ingredient is the one with the highest sugar content
  3. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight Correct answer.
  4. Only additives must be listed

Explanation

Ingredient lists are ordered by descending weight, so the first ingredients contribute most to the product. The list is not alphabetical, not sugar-specific, and includes all ingredients, not only additives.

Question 39Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

A dietitian is planning a nutrition education session for a group with low health literacy. Which approach is most appropriate?

  1. Using plain language, pictures and checking understanding with teach-back Correct answer.
  2. Providing a detailed technical handout only
  3. Using medical terminology to ensure accuracy
  4. Limiting the session to a single verbal explanation

Explanation

Plain language, visual aids and teach-back improve comprehension and retention for people with low health literacy. Technical handouts, jargon and single verbal explanations reduce understanding and recall.

Question 40Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

Which factor most increases the risk of refeeding syndrome when nutrition support is started?

  1. A short period of reduced appetite
  2. A high baseline body mass index
  3. A long period of minimal intake with low baseline electrolytes Correct answer.
  4. Recent consumption of a high-protein meal

Explanation

Refeeding syndrome risk rises with prolonged inadequate intake and depleted baseline electrolytes such as phosphate, potassium and magnesium. Short reduced appetite, high BMI and a recent meal do not confer the same risk.

Question 41Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

Which nutrition intervention is most appropriate for a patient with hepatic encephalopathy who is eating poorly?

  1. Providing adequate protein and energy, with protein not routinely restricted Correct answer.
  2. Eliminating all animal protein
  3. Restricting protein to below 0.5 g/kg/day
  4. Using only branched-chain amino acid supplements

Explanation

Current practice supports adequate protein and energy intake, as protein restriction worsens muscle loss without clear benefit. Severe protein restriction, eliminating animal protein and routine branched-chain supplements are not recommended first-line.

Question 42Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

Which dietary approach is most appropriate for a person with iron-deficiency anaemia who eats meat?

  1. Relying on spinach alone as the iron source
  2. Taking calcium supplements with iron-rich meals
  3. Including lean red meat with vitamin C-rich foods and treating the underlying cause Correct answer.
  4. Increasing tea intake with meals

Explanation

Haem iron from lean red meat is well absorbed and pairing with vitamin C enhances non-haem iron absorption, while the underlying cause should be investigated. Tea and calcium inhibit absorption and spinach alone is a poor iron source.

Question 43Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

Which statement best describes the purpose of a food frequency questionnaire in dietetic assessment?

  1. It measures precise nutrient intake on a single day
  2. It records everything eaten in the last 24 hours
  3. It replaces biochemical assessment
  4. It estimates usual intake patterns over a defined period Correct answer.

Explanation

A food frequency questionnaire estimates habitual intake patterns over a specified period and is useful for ranking intake. It does not measure a single day's precise intake, is not a 24-hour recall, and does not replace biochemical assessment.

Question 44Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

Which nutrition advice is most appropriate for a person with constipation who has no red flags?

  1. Eliminating all fibre to reduce stool bulk
  2. Gradually increasing fibre and fluid intake with regular physical activity Correct answer.
  3. Restricting fluids to reduce stool water
  4. Using stimulant laxatives as first-line therapy

Explanation

Gradual increases in fibre and fluid, together with activity, are first-line dietary measures for constipation without red flags. Removing fibre, restricting fluids and starting stimulant laxatives are inappropriate first steps.

Question 45Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

A patient with chronic heart failure has early satiety and unintentional weight loss. Which approach is most appropriate?

  1. A high-fibre diet to increase meal volume
  2. Small, frequent, energy-dense meals with adequate protein Correct answer.
  3. Fluid restriction for all patients regardless of symptoms
  4. A strict low-calorie diet to reduce cardiac workload

Explanation

Small, frequent, energy-dense meals with adequate protein help meet nutritional needs when early satiety limits intake. Low-calorie diets, universal fluid restriction and high-volume high-fibre meals may worsen intake.

Question 46Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

Which factor is most important when deciding whether a patient is suitable for oral nutritional supplements?

  1. Whether the supplement is the cheapest option
  2. Whether the patient prefers the taste
  3. Whether the patient has a family history of diabetes
  4. Whether food intake alone is failing to meet estimated requirements Correct answer.

Explanation

Oral nutritional supplements are indicated when usual food intake cannot meet estimated requirements despite food-first advice. Taste, cost and family history are secondary considerations rather than the primary indication.

Question 47Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

Which statement about dietary fat and cardiovascular risk is most accurate?

  1. Replacing saturated fat with polyunsaturated fat lowers LDL cholesterol Correct answer.
  2. Dietary cholesterol is the strongest determinant of blood cholesterol
  3. Increasing saturated fat lowers LDL cholesterol
  4. Trans fat from ruminant sources is strongly protective

Explanation

Replacing saturated fat with polyunsaturated fat reduces LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular risk. Saturated and trans fats raise LDL, and dietary cholesterol has a smaller effect than fat quality.

Question 48Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

A dietitian is reviewing a client's 24-hour recall and notes under-reporting is likely. Which action is most appropriate?

  1. Accepting the recall as completely accurate
  2. Confronting the client about dishonesty
  3. Discarding the recall without further assessment
  4. Exploring barriers to accurate reporting and using additional assessment methods Correct answer.

Explanation

Under-reporting is common and is best addressed by exploring barriers and triangulating with other methods such as weight history and biomarkers. Accepting, confronting or discarding the data are not constructive approaches.

Question 49Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

Which nutrition consideration is most important for an older adult with sarcopenia?

  1. A low-protein diet to protect kidney function in all cases
  2. Adequate protein distributed across meals with resistance activity Correct answer.
  3. Severe energy restriction to reduce fat mass
  4. Avoiding all physical activity

Explanation

Adequate protein spread across meals, combined with resistance activity, supports muscle protein synthesis in sarcopenia. Energy restriction, universal protein restriction and inactivity worsen muscle loss.

Question 50Dietetic practice knowledge assessed in the DSR process

Which statement about breastfeeding and maternal diet is most accurate?

  1. Maternal fluid intake should be restricted
  2. Maternal protein needs are lower than before pregnancy
  3. Maternal diet must be free of all common allergens
  4. Maternal energy and nutrient needs increase during lactation Correct answer.

Explanation

Lactation increases maternal energy and nutrient requirements to support milk production. Unnecessary allergen avoidance, fluid restriction and lower protein intake are not recommended.