Dietetic Technician Practice Test

Which option describes a nutritional risk?

1. A nursing home patient stable on a tube feeding regimen

2. Diarrhea for 1 week with a 10 pound weight loss

3. A 3-year-old girl with a sore throat and poor appetite for 2 days

4. A 21-year-old male who is drinking protein shakes in an attempt to build muscle

The correct answer is: Diarrhea for 1 week with a 10 pound weight loss

The reason this option describes a nutritional risk lies in the significant and concerning symptoms that indicate a potential negative impact on the individual's nutritional status. Experiencing diarrhea for one week, combined with a substantial weight loss of 10 pounds, raises alarms about adequate nutrient absorption and overall caloric intake. This situation suggests that the person may not be receiving enough nutrients to meet their basic needs, resulting in an increased risk for malnutrition. In contrast, the nursing home patient who is stable on a tube feeding regimen (the first option) is being monitored and appears to be receiving adequate nutrition, reducing their risk for nutritional issues. The case of the 3-year-old girl with a sore throat and poor appetite for just two days (the third option) may warrant attention but is not immediately indicative of a nutrition risk, especially given the short duration. Lastly, the young male consuming protein shakes to build muscle (the fourth option) does not inherently present a nutritional risk unless more details about his overall diet and health are provided, suggesting he might be meeting his nutritional needs through his strategy.