Practice questions
Topic 2: Professionalism and Ethics
2. Professionalism and Ethics (22 questions)
2.01 Practice within the context of Canadian diversity
2.02 Act ethically and with integrity
2.03 Practice in a manner that promotes cultural safety
2.04 Employ a client-centred approach
2.05 Practice according to legislative, regulatory, and organizational requirements
2.06 Ensure appropriate and secure documentation
2.07 Use risk management approaches
2.08 Manage time and workload
2.09 Employ an evidence-informed approach to practice
2.10 Engage in reflective practice
2.11 Practice within limits of current personal level of professional knowledge and skill
2.12 Maintain comprehensive and current knowledge relevant to practice
2.13 Use information management technologies to support practice
Q1. A client from a Somali background is receiving outpatient nutrition counseling. They appear uncomfortable during the session and answer most questions with “yes” but seem disengaged. What is the most appropriate next step for the dietitian?
A. Rephrase questions to yes/no format to ease the session
B. Speak more slowly and increase visual aids
C. Check for understanding and ask about comfort with the session approach
D. Assume comprehension since the client is saying “yes”
Correct Answer: C
Cognitive Level: Analyze, Interpret, and Apply Knowledge
Competency: 2.01 – Practice within the context of Canadian diversity
Rationale:
C is correct because apparent agreement may reflect politeness or discomfort, not true comprehension. Clarifying and adapting based on the client’s needs shows cultural responsiveness.
A is incorrect because simplifying to yes/no may reduce engagement further.
B is helpful, but not as immediate or client-centered as checking comfort and understanding.
D is incorrect because assuming comprehension may lead to ineffective care.
Q2. A dietitian in Northern Canada works with Inuit clients. Which approach best reflects practicing within the context of Canadian diversity?
A. Using translated Canada’s Food Guide handouts
B. Collaborating with local Elders to adapt nutrition messages
C. Recommending a low-fat diet for all clients
D. Prioritizing strict adherence to national guidelines
Correct Answer: B
Cognitive Level: Demonstrate Comprehension
Competency: 2.01 – Practice within the context of Canadian diversity
Rationale:
B is correct because involving local leaders respects community knowledge and builds trust.
A is incorrect because translated handouts alone may not address cultural relevance.
C is incorrect because blanket recommendations ignore traditional dietary patterns.
D is incorrect because strict adherence can overlook local contexts and needs.
Q3. A dietitian is offered a gift basket by a client following a successful weight management program. What should the dietitian do?
A. Accept the gift and thank the client
B. Decline the gift and explain professional boundaries
C. Accept the gift only if it's under a certain dollar amount
D. Ask their manager what to do after accepting the gift
Correct Answer: B
Cognitive Level: Demonstrate Comprehension
Competency: 2.02 – Act ethically and with integrity
Rationale:
B is correct because ethical guidelines advise against accepting personal gifts that may affect professional boundaries or client expectations.
A is incorrect as it may blur boundaries.
C is incorrect because the issue is not value but the professional relationship.
D is incorrect because the gift should be declined immediately.
Q4. (Case-Based) A dietitian is developing a research partnership with a local food bank. They are asked to share individual client data to support funding proposals. What is the ethical course of action?
A. Share de-identified data with client consent
B. Share all available data to support funding
C. Decline participation in the research
D. Use only verbal consent to proceed
Correct Answer: A
Cognitive Level: Analyze, Interpret, and Apply Knowledge
Competency: 2.02 – Act ethically and with integrity
Rationale:
A is correct because de-identified data with informed consent respects client privacy and upholds ethical standards.
B is incorrect because sharing personal data without consent is unethical.
C is incorrect because participation is possible with ethical safeguards.
D is incorrect because verbal consent is insufficient in most research contexts.
Q5. During a nutrition session, a client shares that they feel judged by healthcare providers and often avoid seeking care. What is the most culturally safe response from the dietitian?
A. Reassure the client that all health providers mean well
B. Explain your professional code of conduct
C. Validate the client’s experience and ask how they prefer to receive care
D. Redirect the conversation to focus on nutrition goals
Correct Answer: C
Cognitive Level: Analyze, Interpret, and Apply Knowledge
Competency: 2.03 – Practice in a manner that promotes cultural safety
Rationale:
C is correct because cultural safety involves recognizing client experiences and power imbalances, then adapting care accordingly.
A is incorrect because it dismisses the client’s experience.
B is incorrect because stating your code does not address the client’s concerns.
D is incorrect because avoiding the issue undermines trust.
Q6. Which of the following best reflects culturally safe care?
A. Treating every client the same to ensure fairness
B. Adapting communication styles based on a client’s cultural background
C. Using a standard intake form with all clients
D. Referring clients to cultural liaisons to handle sensitive topics
Q7. A client says, “I know I should lose weight, but I don’t want to give up my cultural foods.” What is the most client-centred response?
A. “Let’s focus on portion sizes instead.”
B. “Your food choices are making things worse.”
C. “You need to choose between your health and your habits.”
D. “What would it look like to make changes while still keeping your food traditions?”
Correct Answer: D
Cognitive Level: Analyze, Interpret, and Apply Knowledge
Competency: 2.04 – Employ a client-centred approach
Rationale:
D is correct because it invites collaboration and honors the client’s values while working toward goals.
A is practical but doesn’t fully acknowledge the cultural concern.
B and C are judgmental and dismissive, which can damage rapport.
Q8. Which of the following best reflects a client-centred approach in nutrition care?
A. Directing the client to follow specific nutrition recommendations
B. Using motivational interviewing to explore readiness for change
C. Giving advice based on personal experience
D. Encouraging the client to try the newest diet trend
Correct Answer: B
Cognitive Level: Demonstrate Comprehension
Competency: 2.04 – Employ a client-centred approach
Rationale:
B is correct because motivational interviewing supports autonomy and elicits the client’s own motivation.
A is incorrect because client-centred care avoids directive, prescriptive approaches.
C is incorrect because professional advice should be evidence-based, not personal.
D is incorrect because trends may not be safe or appropriate.
Q9. A client requests a copy of their nutrition chart. What is the correct response under privacy legislation?
A. “You need to submit a written request to my supervisor.”
B. “Clients cannot access professional clinical notes.”
C. “Of course, let me explain how you can request that.”
D. “That’s not something I’m allowed to provide.”
Correct Answer: C
Cognitive Level: Demonstrate Comprehension
Competency: 2.05 – Practice according to legislative, regulatory, and organizational requirements
Rationale:
C is correct because clients have the right to access their health records under Canadian privacy law, and dietitians must facilitate this access appropriately.
A may be unnecessarily complicated.
B is incorrect as it denies legal access.
D is incorrect because it’s misleading about professional responsibilities.
Q10 (Case-Based). A dietitian working in a hospital is asked to document a nutrition assessment under a physician’s name due to vacation coverage. What should the dietitian do?
A. Comply and inform the physician later
B. Refuse and report the request to management
C. Document under their own name but reference the physician
D. Leave the note unsigned for the physician to review later
Correct Answer: B
Cognitive Level: Analyze, Interpret, and Apply Knowledge
Competency: 2.05 – Practice according to legislative, regulatory, and organizational requirements
Rationale:
B is correct because documenting under another’s name violates professional and legal documentation standards.
A is incorrect because it’s ethically and legally inappropriate.
C is incorrect because it’s still misrepresenting authorship.
D is incorrect because unsigned documentation compromises accountability.
Q11. A client chart is left open on a clinic computer while the dietitian steps out to grab a file. What documentation principle has been violated?
A. Timeliness
B. Completeness
C. Confidentiality
D. Accuracy
Correct Answer: C
Cognitive Level: Demonstrate Broad Knowledge
Competency: 2.06 – Ensure appropriate and secure documentation
Rationale:
C is correct because leaving an open chart unattended is a breach of confidentiality.
A is incorrect because this is not about delays.
B is incorrect because it doesn’t relate to missing information.
D is incorrect because the issue isn’t factual errors.
Q12. Which of the following best demonstrates appropriate documentation in a clinical setting?
A. Recording client progress every two weeks
B. Deleting errors using backspace so they aren’t visible
C. Including subjective comments about the client’s personality
D. Charting objectively and in a timely manner after each session
Correct Answer: D
Cognitive Level: Demonstrate Comprehension
Competency: 2.06 – Ensure appropriate and secure documentation
Rationale:
D is correct as timely, objective documentation is a professional standard.
A is incorrect because documentation should follow the frequency of interaction.
B is incorrect because errors must be struck through and initialed, not deleted.
C is incorrect because personal comments that aren't clinically relevant are unprofessional.
Q13. A dietitian notices expired supplements in a clinic cupboard. What should they do first?
A. Ignore them if they aren’t used often
B. Discard them and document the action
C. Notify the manager and remove them from circulation
D. Replace them with new products immediately
Correct Answer: C
Cognitive Level: Analyze, Interpret, and Apply Knowledge
Competency: 2.07 – Use risk management approaches
Rationale:
C is correct because it addresses risk, involves accountability, and prevents use of expired items.
A is incorrect because ignoring the issue poses liability.
B is premature without informing others or ensuring procedure.
D is incorrect because replacement isn’t the first priority.
Q14. Which action demonstrates proactive risk management in a dietitian's practice?
A. Waiting until a complaint is made to update policies
B. Conducting regular audits of nutrition protocols
C. Allowing clients to self-monitor without follow-up
D. Avoiding documentation to reduce liability
Correct Answer: B
Cognitive Level: Demonstrate Comprehension
Competency: 2.07 – Use risk management approaches
Rationale:
B is correct because regular audits help identify risks before harm occurs.
A is reactive, not proactive.
C is incorrect because follow-up is needed for safety and effectiveness.
D is a serious ethical and legal violation.
Q15. A dietitian is responsible for 12 patients in a day and is running behind. What is the most appropriate strategy?
A. Skip documentation to save time
B. Delay seeing the last client of the day
C. Prioritize urgent care and communicate delays
D. Shorten every appointment to 10 minutes
Correct Answer: C
Cognitive Level: Analyze, Interpret, and Apply Knowledge
Competency: 2.08 – Manage time and workload
Rationale:
C is correct because triaging client needs and communicating is a professional way to manage workload.
A and D compromise care quality and safety.
B is inappropriate unless the client is informed and rescheduled.
Q16. Which of the following actions best reflects an evidence-informed approach?
A. Recommending a diet based on a recent podcast
B. Using client anecdotes to guide interventions
C. Applying peer-reviewed research and clinical guidelines
D. Only using Canada’s Food Guide for all clients
Correct Answer: C
Cognitive Level: Demonstrate Comprehension
Competency: 2.09 – Employ an evidence-informed approach to practice
Rationale:
C is correct because evidence-informed practice integrates research, clinical judgment, and client context.
A and B are anecdotal.
D is too limited for individualized care.
Q17 (Case-Based). A client asks about a trending diet. The dietitian finds limited peer-reviewed evidence but notices strong social media promotion. What should the dietitian do?
A. Recommend the diet since the client is interested
B. Discourage the diet due to lack of popularity in guidelines
C. Evaluate emerging research and discuss risks and benefits
D. Tell the client to ask their doctor instead
Correct Answer: C
Cognitive Level: Analyze, Interpret, and Apply Knowledge
Competency: 2.09 – Employ an evidence-informed approach to practice
Rationale:
C is correct because weighing emerging evidence with transparency supports client-centered care.
A is incorrect due to lack of evidence.
B shuts down client curiosity without explanation.
D avoids professional responsibility.
Q18. A dietitian realizes they felt frustrated with a client who missed several sessions. What is the best use of this insight?
A. Ignore it and move on
B. Blame the client’s lack of commitment
C. Reflect on how their own expectations may have impacted the interaction
D. Discharge the client immediately
Correct Answer: C
Cognitive Level: Analyze, Interpret, and Apply Knowledge
Competency: 2.10 – Engage in reflective practice
Rationale:
C is correct because reflective practice includes examining one's biases and behaviors to improve future care.
A and B show lack of reflection.
D is overly reactive and non-collaborative.
Q19. What is the primary goal of reflective practice for dietitians?
A. To meet regulatory requirements
B. To identify and correct clients’ mistakes
C. To improve personal and professional growth
D. To create a checklist of completed duties
Correct Answer: C
Cognitive Level: Demonstrate Comprehension
Competency: 2.10 – Engage in reflective practice
Rationale:
C is correct because reflection supports self-awareness and continuous improvement.
A is a secondary motivator.
B reflects poor professional focus.
D misses the purpose of reflective analysis.
Q20. A dietitian is asked to deliver a prenatal nutrition workshop but has no experience in that area. What should they do?
A. Deliver it anyway using general handouts
B. Accept and do internet research
C. Refer to a colleague with prenatal experience
D. Cancel the session without explanation
Correct Answer: C
Cognitive Level: Analyze, Interpret, and Apply Knowledge
Competency: 2.11 – Practice within limits of current personal level of professional knowledge and skills
Rationale:
C is correct because referring to someone with expertise ensures safe, ethical care.
A and B risk misinformation.
D avoids responsibility without helping the client.
Q21. Which action aligns best with practicing within your scope?
A. Prescribing iron supplements to an anemic client
B. Educating a client on food sources of iron and encouraging follow-up with their physician
C. Ordering lab tests to confirm iron deficiency
D. Suggesting over-the-counter supplements with no consultation
Correct Answer: B
Cognitive Level: Demonstrate Comprehension
Competency: 2.11 – Practice within limits of current personal level of professional knowledge and skills
Rationale:
B is correct because it respects professional boundaries while providing education.
A and C exceed the dietitian’s scope in many provinces.
D can be unsafe without full clinical evaluation.
Q22. A dietitian attends a webinar on emerging nutrition trends. What else should they do to maintain current knowledge?
A. Rely only on webinars
B. Use a mix of journals, guidelines, and practice networks
C. Wait until new guidelines are formally released
D. Ask colleagues instead of doing personal research
Correct Answer: B
Cognitive Level: Demonstrate Comprehension
Competency: 2.12 – Maintain comprehensive and current knowledge relevant to practice
Rationale:
B is correct because multiple evidence-based sources support well-rounded, current knowledge.
A is too narrow.
C delays learning.
D lacks critical appraisal and independence.
Q23. (Case-Based) A dietitian has not seen pediatric clients for several years and is now asked to consult on a complex feeding issue. What is the best course of action?
A. Review the latest guidelines and seek mentorship before proceeding
B. Decline immediately
C. Use general strategies from memory
D. Ask a colleague to cover the case without informing the client
Correct Answer: A
Cognitive Level: Analyze, Interpret, and Apply Knowledge
Competency: 2.12 – Maintain comprehensive and current knowledge relevant to practice
Rationale:
A is correct because seeking updated knowledge and mentorship demonstrates responsibility and readiness to re-engage in that area.
B may be too abrupt.
C risks outdated care.
D lacks transparency and continuity.
Q24. Which example best shows appropriate use of technology in dietetic practice?
A. Texting client meal plans using a personal phone
B. Using secure charting software to store client records
C. Sharing client info through unencrypted email
D. Taking client notes home to enter later
Correct Answer: B
Cognitive Level: Demonstrate Broad Knowledge
Competency: 2.13 – Use information management technologies to support practice
Rationale:
B is correct because secure platforms protect client data and comply with privacy laws.
A, C, and D all risk data breaches or confidentiality violations.