Free Practice Questions for Esame di Stato Dietista

Exam-style questions and explanations by OpenExamPrep.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card

89+ Questions

100% Free

Loading practice questions...

Exam Review

Key Facts: Esame di Stato Dietista Exam

Practical + Thesis

Exam format under Art. 7 D.I. 19 febbraio 2009

Decreto Interministeriale 19 febbraio 2009, Art. 7

L/SNT3

Degree class: Professioni Sanitarie Tecniche Assistenziali

MUR Decreto Interministeriale 19 febbraio 2009

Ordine TSRM-PSTRP

Mandatory professional register under Legge 3/2018

Legge 11 gennaio 2018, n. 3 (Legge Lorenzin)

D.M. 744/1994

Foundational professional profile decree

Ministero della Sanità D.M. 14 settembre 1994, n. 744

varies-by-university

Examination fees and passing thresholds

University Academic Regulations (Regolamenti Didattici di Ateneo)

LARN / SINU

National dietary reference intakes for the Italian population

Società Italiana di Nutrizione Umana (IV Revisione)

The qualifying final examination for the Laurea in Dietistica (L/SNT3) has Esame di Stato value under Article 7 of D.I. 19 febbraio 2009. It combines a profession-specific practical assessment with preparation and discussion of a thesis; local logistics are university-specific. This OpenExamPrep bank is an independent English-language MCQ study adaptation and does not simulate either mandatory component.

Sample Esame di Stato Dietista Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Esame di Stato Dietista exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 89+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A 28-year-old patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus uses an insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio (ICR) of 1:10 g and an insulin sensitivity factor (ISF) of 40 mg/dL with a target preprandial blood glucose of 100 mg/dL. Before lunch, the patient's capillary glucose is 180 mg/dL, and the planned meal contains 70 g of carbohydrates. How many total units of rapid-acting insulin should the dietitian recommend administering?

A.9 units

B.7 units

C.11 units

D.5 units

Explanation: The total prandial insulin dose is the sum of the carbohydrate coverage bolus and the correction bolus. The carbohydrate bolus is calculated as 70 g / 10 g/unit = 7 units. The correction bolus is (180 mg/dL - 100 mg/dL) / 40 mg/dL/unit = 2 units. Thus, the total rapid-acting insulin dose is 7 + 2 = 9 units.

2According to the Italian AMD-SID Standards of Medical Care and LARN guidelines for type 2 diabetes mellitus, what is the recommended dietary pattern and carbohydrate quality focus?

A.A Mediterranean dietary pattern rich in dietary fiber and low-glycemic-index whole grains, with simple sugars limited to less than 10% of total daily energy

B.A ketogenic dietary protocol providing less than 20 g of total carbohydrates daily to completely suppress hepatic gluconeogenesis

C.A very-low-fat diet (<10% of total energy) with unrestricted complex carbohydrates regardless of glycemic index

D.A high-protein diet (>30% of total energy) to stimulate basal insulin secretion and reduce postprandial glucose excursions

Explanation: The Italian AMD-SID consensus and LARN recommendations endorse a Mediterranean dietary pattern high in monounsaturated fatty acids (extra virgin olive oil), legumes, vegetables, and low-glycemic-index whole grains. Dietary fiber should reach or exceed 25–30 g/day, and added/free sugars must be restricted to less than 10% of total energy to optimize glycemic control and lipid profiles.

3A pregnant woman at 26 weeks of gestation is diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). What is the minimum recommended daily carbohydrate intake to prevent ketonemia and support fetal neurological development, and what are the standard 1-hour postprandial glycemic targets?

A.At least 175 g/day of carbohydrates; 1-hour postprandial capillary glucose < 140 mg/dL

B.At least 100 g/day of carbohydrates; 1-hour postprandial capillary glucose < 180 mg/dL

C.Maximum 75 g/day of carbohydrates; 1-hour postprandial capillary glucose < 110 mg/dL

D.At least 250 g/day of carbohydrates; 1-hour postprandial capillary glucose < 160 mg/dL

Explanation: In gestational diabetes, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and Italian nutritional standards mandate a minimum of 175 g of carbohydrates daily (distributed across three meals and 2–3 snacks) to prevent maternal ketosis, which is harmful to the fetal central nervous system. Standard target capillary glucose levels are < 95 mg/dL preprandial, < 140 mg/dL at 1 hour postprandial, or < 120 mg/dL at 2 hours postprandial.

4A 64-year-old male with stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease (eGFR 22 mL/min/1.73 m², non-dialysis dependent, serum urea 95 mg/dL) is referred for medical nutrition therapy. According to Italian Nephrology Society (SIN) and KDOQI guidelines, what protein and energy prescription is most appropriate?

A.0.6–0.8 g protein/kg ideal body weight/day with 30–35 kcal/kg/day, incorporating aproteic substitute products (cibi aproteici) to meet energy needs

B.1.2–1.4 g protein/kg ideal body weight/day with 20–25 kcal/kg/day to compensate for ongoing urinary amino acid losses

C.0.3 g protein/kg ideal body weight/day without amino acid ketoanalogue supplementation and unmonitored caloric intake

D.1.0 g protein/kg ideal body weight/day with severe restriction of all dietary carbohydrates to prevent uremic encephalopathy

Explanation: For non-dialysis dependent CKD stages 3–5, Italian and international guidelines recommend a low-protein diet (LPD) of 0.6–0.8 g/kg/day (or 0.3–0.4 g/kg supplemented with ketoanalogues) combined with an adequate caloric intake of 30–35 kcal/kg/day. Italian clinical practice utilizes dedicated commercial low-protein foods (cibi aproteici, such as pasta, bread, and biscuits) that provide starch calories without protein or inorganic phosphorus, thereby avoiding protein-energy wasting (PEW).

5A 58-year-old woman undergoing maintenance hemodialysis three times weekly presents with a pre-dialysis serum potassium of 6.2 mEq/L and serum phosphorus of 6.8 mg/dL. Which dietary intervention and counseling strategy should the dietitian prioritize?

A.Increase dietary protein to 1.2–1.4 g/kg/day, restrict inorganic phosphorus additives by reading food labels, boil vegetables to leach potassium, and coordinate phosphate binder timing with meals

B.Reduce dietary protein to 0.4 g/kg/day to decrease urea generation and completely eliminate all fresh fruits, legumes, and dairy products permanently

C.Increase daily fluid intake to 3 liters to dilute serum potassium and consume phosphorus binders only on an empty stomach at bedtime

D.Maintain a strict sodium-free diet (<500 mg/day) while replacing all common table salt with potassium chloride salt substitutes

Explanation: Hemodialysis induces catabolism and amino acid losses across the dialyzer, requiring an increased protein intake of 1.2–1.4 g/kg/day. To manage hyperkalemia and hyperphosphatemia without sacrificing protein, the dietitian advises double-boiling vegetables to leach potassium, avoiding ultra-processed foods containing inorganic phosphate food additives (which have ~100% intestinal absorption), and ensuring calcium or non-calcium phosphate binders are taken directly with meals.

6In a patient presenting with nephrotic syndrome characterized by severe proteinuria (8 g/24h), hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin 2.1 g/dL), peripheral anasarca, and severe hypercholesterolemia, what is the rationale behind prescribing a normal protein intake (0.8–1.0 g/kg/day) rather than a high-protein diet (>1.5 g/kg/day)?

A.High-protein diets increase intraglomerular pressure and worsen proteinuria without raising plasma albumin concentrations, whereas 0.8–1.0 g/kg/day minimizes glomerular damage

B.High-protein diets cause profound hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis through renal tubular potassium dumping

C.Protein intake in nephrotic syndrome must be restricted to 0.2 g/kg/day to prevent irreversible hepatic amyloidosis

D.A normal protein diet completely inhibits hepatic lipid synthesis and immediately resolves nephrotic hyperlipidemia

Explanation: Contrary to historic clinical intuition, feeding high protein (>1.2–1.5 g/kg/day) in nephrotic syndrome does not raise serum albumin because it causes renal vasodilation, elevates intraglomerular hydrostatic pressure, and accelerates urinary protein loss. Current evidence-based guidelines recommend a normal protein intake of 0.8–1.0 g/kg/day (plus 1 g of protein per gram of urinary protein lost above 3 g/day in select stable cases) combined with moderate sodium restriction (<2 g/day) to control edema.

7A 22-year-old woman with biopsy-confirmed celiac disease is learning how to follow a strict gluten-free diet. Which food selection guideline and cross-contamination precaution should the dietitian emphasize?

A.Strictly avoid all foods containing wheat, rye, and barley; consume only certified pure gluten-free oats (< 20 ppm) after clinical stabilization, and use separate cooking utensils and toasters

B.Patients may safely consume spelt (farro), kamut, and barley malt because their prolamins are non-toxic to intestinal enterocytes

C.Wheat starch (amido di frumento) in any form is permanently forbidden under European law, even if deglutenized to below 20 ppm

D.Cross-contamination is negligible in clinical practice, and shared fryers with breaded products do not trigger intestinal villous atrophy

Explanation: The only effective medical treatment for celiac disease is a lifelong strict gluten-free diet eliminating wheat (including spelt, kamut, and emmer), rye, and barley. Oats are tolerated by most patients but must be strictly certified uncontaminated with wheat (<20 ppm gluten under European Regulation 828/2014) and introduced only after complete clinical remission. Even minute trace exposures (>20 ppm) induce histological enteropathy, making dedicated toasters, clean cutting boards, and separate fryers mandatory.

8In pediatric and adolescent patients with active luminal Crohn's disease, what does international consensus (ECCO/ESPGHAN) recommend as the first-line therapeutic intervention to induce disease remission?

A.Exclusive Enteral Nutrition (EEN) using a complete polymeric or oligomeric liquid formula for 6 to 8 weeks

B.A raw vegan diet high in insoluble fiber and unpasteurized fermented vegetable juices

C.Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) with complete bowel rest for at least 6 months

D.A high-dose omega-3 fish oil monotherapy without dietary macronutrient modification

Explanation: Exclusive Enteral Nutrition (EEN) providing 100% of daily nutritional requirements through a commercial liquid formula for 6–8 weeks is the established first-line therapy to induce clinical and mucosal remission in pediatric luminal Crohn's disease. EEN demonstrates remission rates equivalent to systemic corticosteroids (around 80%) while avoiding steroid toxicity and promoting mucosal healing, linear growth, and bone mineral accrual.

9During an acute flare of ulcerative colitis with frequent bloody stools, abdominal cramping, and tenesmus, which dietary management strategy is most appropriate for the dietitian to recommend initially?

A.A low-residue, easily digestible diet with adequate fluid and electrolyte replacement, lean proteins, and temporary restriction of insoluble fiber, spicy foods, and caffeine

B.A high-roughage bran supplement regimen (35–40 g insoluble fiber daily) to increase stool volume and normalize transit time

C.A zero-carbohydrate carnivore diet consisting exclusively of fatty red meats and animal tallow

D.Complete cessation of all oral water intake and substitution with carbonated sugary sodas

Explanation: During an acute flare of ulcerative colitis, the inflamed colonic mucosa is hyperemic and ulcerated. A low-residue, low-insoluble-fiber diet reduces mechanical friction across the colon, decreases stool frequency, and eases cramping. Concurrently, rehydration with oral rehydration solutions or electrolyte-rich fluids and easily assimilated lean protein sources (eggs, poultry, fish) are provided to compensate for fecal nitrogen and blood losses.

10The low-FODMAP diet is an established nutritional protocol for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). What is the correct clinical sequence and duration of its three phases as guided by the dietitian?

A.Phase 1: strict FODMAP restriction for 2–6 weeks; Phase 2: structured reintroduction of individual FODMAP groups to identify specific triggers; Phase 3: long-term personalization

B.Phase 1: lifelong complete avoidance of all short-chain carbohydrates; Phase 2: high-dose prebiotic inulin supplementation; Phase 3: antibiotic clearance

C.Phase 1: liquid fasting for 14 days; Phase 2: exclusive dairy consumption; Phase 3: reintroduction of legumes and wheat bran

D.Phase 1: blind food challenge with high-fructose corn syrup; Phase 2: elimination of proteins; Phase 3: reintroduction of all fibers simultaneously

Explanation: The low-FODMAP protocol comprises three structured phases: (1) Restriction (2–6 weeks), where fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols are strictly minimized to assess symptom response; (2) Reintroduction (6–8 weeks), where each FODMAP subgroup (e.g., fructose, lactose, sorbitol, fructans) is challenged systematically; and (3) Personalization (long-term), which re-incorporates tolerated foods to maximize dietary diversity and protect colonic microbiome bifidobacteria.

About the Esame di Stato Dietista Exam

The Esame di Stato abilitante per Dietista is the official qualifying milestone that grants graduates of the Laurea in Dietistica (Classe L/SNT3 - Professioni Sanitarie Tecniche Assistenziali) the legal right to practice as registered dietitians throughout Italy and enroll in the Commissione di Albo dei Dietisti of the Ordine TSRM-PSTRP (Federazione Nazionale Ordini dei Tecnici Sanitari di Radiologia Medica e delle Professioni Sanitarie Tecniche, della Riabilitazione e della Prevenzione) pursuant to Legge 3/2018. Defined by Ministerial Decree n. 744 of 14 September 1994, the dietitian is the autonomous healthcare professional competent for organizing and coordinating dietary and nutritional activities, developing and applying medical nutrition therapy prescribed by physicians, monitoring clinical acceptance, managing collective catering and HACCP hygiene standards, and conducting dietary education and clinical research. Independent Dietista State Exam practice by OpenExamPrep provides an English-language MCQ study adaptation covering medical nutrition therapy, anthropometric assessment and LARN reference values, enteral and parenteral nutrition support protocols, collective food service hygiene, and healthcare deontology.

Exam sponsor: Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca (MUR) & designated universities with SSN teaching hospitals. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Article 7 of D.I. 19 febbraio 2009 gives the final examination for the Laurea in Dietistica (L/SNT3) the legal value of an Esame di Stato. The national rule requires two components: a practical examination demonstrating profession-specific theoretical, practical, and technical-operational competence, and preparation and discussion of a thesis. It does not prescribe one national item count, duration, numerical cut score, fee, detailed local task type, or delivery language; candidates must use their university's current notice for those logistics. Independent Dietista practice by OpenExamPrep is an English-language four-option MCQ study adaptation, not an official translation, a format simulation, or a substitute for practical or oral performance practice.

Time Limit

Varies by university; no single national duration is published

Passing Score

Set by the university; no single national numerical cut score is published

Exam / Certification Fees

Varies by university; no single national fee is published

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

30 local questions (not an official percentage)

Clinical Nutrition & Medical Nutrition Therapy

Evidence-based dietary formulation for chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes mellitus (types 1, 2, gestational), gastrointestinal disorders (IBD, celiac disease, IBS, short bowel syndrome), cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemias, metabolic syndrome, oncology nutrition, and hepatic/pancreatic pathologies

25 local questions (not an official percentage)

Nutritional Assessment, Screening & LARN Guidelines

Nutritional screening tools (MUST, NRS-2002, MNA), GLIM diagnostic criteria for malnutrition, anthropometric measures (BMI, waist circumference, skinfolds, mid-arm muscle circumference), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA phase angle and body compartments), indirect calorimetry, and SINU LARN IV Revision reference intakes (AR, PRI, AI, RI, UL, SDT)

20 local questions (not an official percentage)

Artificial Nutrition Support (Enteral & Parenteral)

Enteral nutrition access routes (NGT, PEG, PEJ) and infusion modalities, commercial formula composition (polymeric, oligomeric, specialized disease-specific), parenteral nutrition formulations (all-in-one bags, macronutrient ratios, osmolarity constraints, central vs. peripheral lines), refeeding syndrome monitoring and prevention, and home artificial nutrition (NAD/NED) protocols

9 local questions (not an official percentage)

Collective Catering, Hospital/School Food Service & HACCP

Hospital dietetic manuals (prontuario dietetico ospedaliero), special therapeutic diets, school nutrition guidelines (Linee di indirizzo nazionale per la ristorazione scolastica), HACCP system principles (Reg. CE 852/2004), critical control points (CCPs), food allergy labeling (Reg. UE 1169/2011), foodborne illness prevention, cook-chill systems, and Green Public Procurement / CAM criteria

5 local questions (not an official percentage)

Professional Deontology, Healthcare Legislation & Ordine TSRM-PSTRP

Professional profile statute (D.M. 744/1994), healthcare profession autonomy under Legge 42/1999 and Legge 251/2000, professional registration within the Ordine TSRM-PSTRP under Legge 3/2018 (Lorenzin), Codice Deontologico del Dietista, multidisciplinary collaboration, informed consent and advance directives (Legge 219/2017), ECM credit requirements, and sanitary professional secrecy (Art. 622 c.p.)

Preparing for the Esame di Stato Dietista Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Set by the university; no single national numerical cut score is published
Assessment: Article 7 of D.I. 19 febbraio 2009 gives the final examination for the Laurea in Dietistica (L/SNT3) the legal value of an Esame di Stato. The national rule requires two components: a practical examination demonstrating profession-specific theoretical, practical, and technical-operational competence, and preparation and discussion of a thesis. It does not prescribe one national item count, duration, numerical cut score, fee, detailed local task type, or delivery language; candidates must use their university's current notice for those logistics. Independent Dietista practice by OpenExamPrep is an English-language four-option MCQ study adaptation, not an official translation, a format simulation, or a substitute for practical or oral performance practice.
Time limit: Varies by university; no single national duration is published
Exam / certification fees: Varies by university; no single national fee is published Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

Work through all 89 available questions
Review every answer and explanation
Track weak areas and revisit them
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Esame di Stato Dietista: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master the SINU LARN IV Revision (Livelli di Assunzione di Riferimento di Nutrienti ed energia), memorizing reference intake definitions (AR, PRI, AI, RI, UL, SDT) and macronutrient distribution ranges (carbohydrates 45–60%, fats 20–35%, protein 0.90 g/kg/day for healthy adults).

2Develop fluent practical calculation skills for medical nutrition therapy in chronic kidney disease across non-dialysis (0.6–0.8 g/kg/day low-protein, restricted phosphorus and potassium) versus hemodialysis (1.2–1.4 g/kg/day high-protein) stages.

3Understand the stepped approach to nutritional support: oral diet optimization first, oral nutritional supplements (ONS), enteral tube feeding (NGT, PEG), and parenteral nutrition (central vs. peripheral) when the gut is non-functional or inaccessible.

4Memorize refeeding syndrome pathophysiology: identify high-risk markers (severe BMI reduction, prolonged fasting), initiate prophylactic thiamine supplementation prior to carbohydrate reintroduction, and monitor hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, and hypomagnesemia closely.

5Thoroughly review clinical screening tools (MUST, NRS-2002, MNA) and GLIM two-step diagnostic criteria combining phenotypic criteria (non-volitional weight loss, low BMI, reduced muscle mass) with etiologic criteria (reduced intake/assimilation, disease burden/inflammation).

6Learn the legal boundaries of the dietitian's scope: D.M. 744/1994 (dietary elaboration based on medical diagnosis/prescription), Legge 42/1999 and Legge 251/2000 (professional autonomy), Legge 3/2018 (Ordine TSRM-PSTRP), and Legge 219/2017 (artificial nutrition as medical treatment requiring informed consent).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal framework governing the Italian Dietitian State Exam (Esame di Stato Dietista)?

The qualification is governed by Article 7 of Decreto Interministeriale 19 febbraio 2009 (Determinazione delle classi delle lauree delle professioni sanitarie) in conjunction with Decreto Ministeriale 14 settembre 1994, n. 744 (profesional profile of the Dietitian). Under Italian law, the final degree examination (prova finale) of the 3-year Laurea in Dietistica (Classe L/SNT3) has the statutory standing of an Esame di Stato abilitante, empowering successful candidates to exercise the regulated healthcare profession of Dietista without needing a separate post-graduate state licensing board.

How is the qualifying examination structured and what are the passing criteria?

Article 7 of D.I. 19 febbraio 2009 requires two components: a practical examination demonstrating profession-specific theoretical, practical, and technical-operational competence, and preparation and discussion of a thesis. Detailed tasks, order, scoring, duration, and delivery arrangements are set by the university rather than standardized nationally.

What professional body must an Italian dietitian register with upon passing the exam?

Following the enactment of Legge 11 gennaio 2018, n. 3 (the Lorenzin Health Reform), dietitians must register with the Commissione di Albo dei Dietisti within the territorial Ordine dei Tecnici Sanitari di Radiologia Medica e delle Professioni Sanitarie Tecniche, della Riabilitazione e della Prevenzione (Ordine TSRM-PSTRP). Registration in the professional register (Albo) is mandatory by law to practice dietetics in both public healthcare (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale) and private clinical or consulting practice.

What fees are required to sit the examination?

Fees, dates, duration, grading details, and any repeat procedure are set by the individual university. D.I. 19 febbraio 2009 does not publish a single national fee, timetable, duration, or numerical cut score for this final qualifying examination.

What are the primary clinical and professional competencies of a dietista under D.M. 744/1994?

Under D.M. 744/1994, the dietitian is competent to: organize and coordinate activities connected to dietetics and nutrition; formulate, elaborate, and implement dietary regimens prescribed by medical doctors and verify patient acceptance; collaborate in multidisciplinary teams treating eating disorders (DNA/DCA); plan and manage hygiene control systems (HACCP) and menu design in collective hospital, school, and corporate food services; and conduct nutritional education, community counseling, and clinical research.

Why does OpenExamPrep present practice questions in English multiple-choice format?

D.I. 19 febbraio 2009 does not publish one national delivery language for this university-run final examination. This OpenExamPrep resource uses English four-option MCQs as an independent study adaptation. It is not an official translation, does not simulate the practical examination or thesis defense, and is not a substitute for performance practice or the candidate's university notice.