Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) Nursing Practice Test

What dietary modifications can help reduce urine odor?

1. Increase intake of protein-rich foods

2. Decrease consumption of sugary beverages

3. Limit fruits and vegetables

4. Avoid stinky foods and increase vitamin C

The correct answer is: Avoid stinky foods and increase vitamin C

The recommended dietary modification to help reduce urine odor involves avoiding certain foods known for their strong scents, such as onions, garlic, and asparagus, while also increasing vitamin C intake. Foods high in vitamin C can help to acidify urine, which may assist in reducing the potency of urine odor. When vitamin C is metabolized, it produces compounds that can help neutralize odors. Additionally, stinky foods can lead to stronger-smelling urine due to their sulfurous compounds, which are responsible for the odor. Therefore, avoiding these foods while incorporating more vitamin C-rich foods can effectively aid in managing and reducing undesirable urine smells. The other options do not specifically target the causes of urine odor. For example, increasing protein-rich foods could actually lead to more odor due to the breakdown of proteins into nitrogenous compounds. Reducing sugary beverages may improve overall health but does not directly address urine smell. Limiting fruits and vegetables, which are beneficial for overall health and hydration, could also be counterproductive in addressing urine odor.