Registered Dietitian Practice Test

For a patient with cirrhosis, the most appropriate nutrition prescription is to consume 4-6 smaller meals per day. This approach helps to manage the metabolic demands and nutritional needs of the individual.

Smaller, more frequent meals can enhance caloric intake and promote better nutrition status, which is crucial given the risk of malnutrition associated with liver disease. It also helps reduce the burden on the liver by providing a steady supply of nutrients instead of large meals that could cause stress. Additionally, this feeding strategy may help stabilize blood sugar levels, making it easier for patients to manage their overall health.

In contrast, the other options may not align with the best practices for managing cirrhosis. For instance, protein intake is often higher than 0.6 g/kg body weight for cirrhotic patients, especially to prevent muscle wasting. Moderate fat intake is typically recommended, but specific ratios such as 40%-45% may not be appropriate for all patients and could need individualization based on other health factors. Sodium restriction is crucial for managing fluid retention, but the extremely low level of 4-6 g would be inadequate and impractical, as most dietary guidelines recommend a more reasonable limit to help manage sodium without being overly restrictive.