CCMA Nutrition and Dietary Guidance — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which macronutrient is the body's preferred primary source of energy?
- Protein
- Fat
- Carbohydrates (Correct answer)
- Fiber
Correct answer: Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are converted to glucose, which is the body's most readily available energy source. The brain and red blood cells rely almost exclusively on glucose, making carbohydrates the preferred fuel for most metabolic processes.
Question 2: A patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is placed on a therapeutic diet. Which nutrients should MOST be restricted?
- Complex carbohydrates and unsaturated fats
- Vitamin C and zinc
- Potassium and phosphorus (Correct answer)
- Iron and vitamin B12
Correct answer: Potassium and phosphorus
In CKD, the kidneys cannot efficiently excrete potassium and phosphorus. Elevated potassium (hyperkalemia) can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias, and excess phosphorus leads to bone disease. Dietary restriction of both is essential.
Question 3: Which vitamin deficiency is most directly associated with impaired blood clotting and increased bleeding risk?
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin K (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Vitamin K
Vitamin K is required for the hepatic synthesis of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X. A deficiency impairs the coagulation cascade, leading to prolonged clotting times and increased bleeding. Warfarin works by antagonizing vitamin K.
Question 4: Which food choice has the LOWEST glycemic index and would be most appropriate for a patient managing type 2 diabetes?
- White bread
- Instant oatmeal
- Lentils (Correct answer)
- Watermelon
Correct answer: Lentils
Lentils have a glycemic index of approximately 30, due to their high fiber and protein content that slows glucose absorption. White bread (~75), instant oatmeal (~83), and watermelon (~72) all have higher glycemic indexes that cause faster blood sugar spikes.
Question 5: Which dietary recommendation is MOST appropriate for a patient at risk for osteoporosis?
- Increase vitamin D and calcium intake (Correct answer)
- Increase sodium and phosphorus to strengthen bones
- Restrict protein intake to reduce calcium excretion
- Eliminate all dairy to reduce systemic inflammation
Correct answer: Increase vitamin D and calcium intake
Calcium is the primary mineral in bone tissue, and vitamin D is essential for its intestinal absorption. Together, adequate calcium (1,000–1,200 mg/day) and vitamin D (600–800 IU/day) are the cornerstone nutritional recommendations for osteoporosis prevention.
Question 6: A patient is prescribed a 2,000 mg/day low-sodium diet. Which food should the medical assistant advise the patient to AVOID?
- Fresh banana
- Plain grilled chicken breast
- Canned chicken noodle soup (Correct answer)
- Steamed brown rice
Correct answer: Canned chicken noodle soup
Canned soups are among the highest-sodium foods available, often containing 700–1,000 mg of sodium per serving — potentially half the daily allowance in a single bowl. Patients on sodium-restricted diets must avoid processed, preserved, and canned foods.
CCMA Nutrition and Dietary Guidance
Which macronutrient is the body's preferred primary source of energy?