Eat Right to Feel Right on Dialysis – MCQs
1. Why is nutrition especially important for patients on dialysis?
A. It helps them gain weight quickly
B. It helps manage blood pressure only
C. It supports energy levels, maintains muscle, and reduces complications
D. It helps stop dialysis permanently
✅ Correct answer: C
2. Which nutrient should be limited in a dialysis patient’s diet due to risk of hyperkalemia?
A. Calcium
B. Potassium
C. Iron
D. Fiber
✅ Correct answer: B
3. High phosphorus levels in dialysis patients can lead to:
A. Hair loss
B. Stronger bones
C. Itchy skin and bone disease
D. Weight gain
✅ Correct answer: C
4. Which food is high in potassium and usually limited in a dialysis diet?
A. Apple
B. Cabbage
C. Banana
D. White rice
✅ Correct answer: C
5. Why is protein intake increased in dialysis patients compared to healthy individuals?
A. Protein causes less waste
B. Protein helps lower phosphorus
C. Dialysis removes protein waste; more is needed to prevent muscle loss
D. High protein lowers blood sugar
✅ Correct answer: C
6. What is the recommended protein source for a dialysis patient?
A. Processed meats
B. Red beans
C. Eggs and lean meats
D. Ice cream
✅ Correct answer: C
7. Fluid intake for dialysis patients should be:
A. Unlimited
B. Based on thirst only
C. Limited to prevent fluid overload and swelling
D. Reduced only on non-dialysis days
✅ Correct answer: C
8. A common sign of excess fluid intake in a dialysis patient is:
A. Fever
B. Hair loss
C. Swollen legs, high blood pressure, and shortness of breath
D. Low urine output only
✅ Correct answer: C
9. Which of the following is a low phosphorus food?
A. Cheese
B. Nuts
C. Chicken breast
D. Cola drinks
✅ Correct answer: C
10. Why should dialysis patients avoid salt (sodium) in large amounts?
A. It causes nausea
B. It increases urine production
C. It can cause high blood pressure and fluid retention
D. It prevents phosphate absorption
✅ Correct answer: C
11. Which of the following foods is typically high in phosphorus and should be limited?
A. Chicken breast
B. Soft drinks with phosphates (e.g., cola)
C. Apples
D. Cucumber
✅ Correct answer: B
12. Why should dialysis patients limit dairy intake?
A. It’s high in fat only
B. It can increase fluid loss
C. It contains high amounts of phosphorus and potassium
D. It lowers iron absorption
✅ Correct answer: C
13. What type of bread is usually better for a dialysis diet?
A. Whole grain bread
B. Bran bread
C. White bread
D. Multigrain bread
✅ Correct answer: C
(White bread has less phosphorus and potassium than whole grain or bran breads.)
14. What is a safe fruit choice for dialysis patients watching potassium intake?
A. Orange
B. Banana
C. Grapes
D. Mango
✅ Correct answer: C
15. A dialysis patient should choose which of the following snacks?
A. Salted peanuts
B. Potato chips
C. Unsalted popcorn
D. Dried apricots
✅ Correct answer: C
16. Which of these is a hidden source of phosphorus in processed foods?
A. Baking soda
B. Phosphate additives (e.g., sodium phosphate)
C. Cornstarch
D. Vinegar
✅ Correct answer: B
17. How can dialysis patients reduce potassium in vegetables like potatoes or carrots?
A. Fry them
B. Steam them
C. Soak and double-boil (leaching)
D. Add salt
✅ Correct answer: C
18. Which vitamin is often supplemented in dialysis patients due to losses during treatment?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin C
C. Vitamin D and B-complex
D. Vitamin K
✅ Correct answer: C
19. Which food is a high-protein, low-phosphorus option suitable for dialysis?
A. Sardines
B. Skinless chicken breast
C. Cheese
D. Lentils
✅ Correct answer: B
20. What is one tip to help dialysis patients control thirst?
A. Eat salty snacks
B. Sip fluids slowly and use ice chips
C. Avoid all fluids
D. Drink large amounts in the morning only
✅ Correct answer: B
21. What happens if a dialysis patient regularly eats foods high in potassium?
A. They get more energy
B. It can cause dangerous heart rhythm problems
C. It helps cleanse the kidneys
D. It improves appetite
✅ Correct answer: B
22. A patient on dialysis complains of fatigue. Which of the following dietary factors might be contributing?
A. Low potassium intake
B. Excessive protein
C. Poor fluid restriction
D. Low protein or iron intake
✅ Correct answer: D
23. Which cooking method can help reduce phosphorus and potassium content in food?
A. Deep frying
B. Grilling
C. Double boiling or leaching
D. Baking
✅ Correct answer: C
24. A good breakfast option for a dialysis patient would be:
A. Bran cereal with milk and bananas
B. White bread toast with egg and apple slices
C. Yogurt and orange juice
D. Peanut butter on multigrain toast
✅ Correct answer: B
25. Which of the following is a low-sodium seasoning option?
A. Soy sauce
B. Table salt
C. Lemon juice and fresh herbs
D. Salted margarine
✅ Correct answer: C
26. Phosphate binders are prescribed to dialysis patients to:
A. Increase appetite
B. Help remove excess potassium
C. Prevent phosphorus from being absorbed from food
D. Improve digestion
✅ Correct answer: C
27. A dialysis patient is following their diet well but still has high phosphorus. What might be the reason?
A. Skipping phosphate binders during meals
B. Low protein intake
C. Drinking too much water
D. Eating too little potassium
✅ Correct answer: A
28. When should phosphate binders be taken?
A. On an empty stomach
B. At bedtime only
C. Right before or with meals
D. After dialysis sessions
✅ Correct answer: C
29. Which of the following is not recommended as a regular beverage for dialysis patients?
A. Water (in limited amount)
B. Apple juice
C. Orange juice
D. Black coffee (in moderation)
✅ Correct answer: C
30. Why is it important to control phosphorus levels in dialysis patients?
A. To prevent diabetes
B. To avoid kidney stones
C. To prevent weak bones and heart problems
D. To help increase potassium
✅ Correct answer: C