Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Practice Exam

What is the focus of Medical Nutrition Therapy?

1. Preventative care for healthy individuals

2. Maintenance of diet for general wellness

3. Nutritional assessment and treatment for patients with health issues

4. Weight loss strategies for the obese

The correct answer is: Nutritional assessment and treatment for patients with health issues

Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is specifically aimed at providing nutritional assessment and treatment tailored to individuals who have specific health issues. This approach is designed to address various medical conditions through personalized nutritional interventions, which may include modifying dietary intake, using specialized diets, and providing education on nutrition related to their health problems. For instance, patients with diabetes might receive guidance on carbohydrate counting to manage blood sugar levels, whereas someone with kidney disease might be advised on protein and potassium limitations. The core of MNT is its focus on the individual’s medical history and current health status, ensuring that their dietary recommendations align closely with their unique therapeutic needs. In contrast, the other options typically focus on broader dietary goals or healthy behaviors rather than addressing specific medical conditions. Preventative care for healthy individuals pertains more to general wellness rather than treatment, while maintaining a diet for general wellness does not implement the comprehensive strategies of MNT. Weight loss strategies, although they can be beneficial for some, do not encompass the therapeutic targeting of nutritional interventions for managing medical issues, which is the primary focus of MNT.