Dietetic Technician Practice Test

As a dietetic technician, which tool is most likely used for planning menus in a nursing home?

1. Dietary Reference Intake (DRI)

2. Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA)

3. Tolerable Upper Limits (TUL)

4. Estimated Average Requirements

The correct answer is: Dietary Reference Intake (DRI)

The Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) is the most comprehensive set of nutrient recommendations available for planning and assessing the nutritional needs of individuals. In a nursing home setting, where tailored nutrition plans are essential for the health and well-being of residents, the DRI provides valuable guidelines for menu planning. It encompasses several types of recommendations, including the RDA, Adequate Intake (AI), and Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL), helping dietetic technicians ensure that menus meet the dietary needs of various populations, particularly those who may have different health conditions or dietary restrictions. Using the DRI allows for a more holistic approach to menu planning. It not only focuses on the amount of nutrients that should be consumed daily but also considers the balance of energy and nutrients necessary for maintaining health among older adults, who might be more susceptible to nutritional deficiencies. In contrast, the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) primarily serve as targets for nutrient intake for healthy individuals. The Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (TUL) indicate the maximum daily intake that is unlikely to cause adverse health effects, and the Estimated Average Requirements focus on the median requirement of nutrients for half the population. While these tools are important in the overall context of nutrition, they do not provide