Muscle weakness due to wasting would most likely be evaluated by which test?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Handgrip strength is a reliable test to assess muscle function and detect muscle weakness due to wasting. It is often used to identify conditions like sarcopenia in clinical settings. Options A, B, and D are not suitable for evaluating muscle weakness. Food intake recall does not directly measure muscle function, skinfold thickness assesses body fat but not muscle strength, and red blood cell levels are unrelated to muscle wasting.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the protein found in red blood cells that is responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Iron is a crucial component of hemoglobin, binding to oxygen and allowing for its transport. Choice B, transferrin, is involved in iron transport in the blood but not in oxygen transport. Choice C, myoglobin, is a protein found in muscle cells that stores oxygen for muscle use, not transportation in the bloodstream. Choice D, hepcidin, is a peptide hormone that regulates iron absorption in the intestines and iron distribution in the body, but it is not directly involved in oxygen transport.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, milk. Milk is known for being one of the best dietary sources of calcium, essential for bone health and various bodily functions. Soy products, cereal grains, and dark green vegetables are good sources of calcium as well, but milk generally has a higher calcium content compared to these options.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Fluid retention can mask weight loss in ill individuals as the retained fluid adds to body weight, making it difficult to detect true fat or muscle loss. Dehydration (Choice A) would actually lead to weight loss rather than masking it. While a large tumor (Choice B) could contribute to weight loss, it would not mask the weight loss itself. Drug therapy (Choice C) may cause side effects, including weight changes, but it is unlikely to mask significant weight loss in the same way that fluid retention does.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, conducting nutrition assessments. Registered dietitians are responsible for assessing an individual's nutritional status, dietary intake, and health needs. This assessment forms the basis for developing personalized nutrition care plans. Choices A and B involve the administration of specialized nutrition support, which is typically done by healthcare providers with specific training in those areas. Choice C, prescribing diet orders, may fall outside the scope of practice for a dietitian as they focus more on assessment, education, and counseling related to nutrition rather than prescribing medical treatments.