What is the purpose of the CDC's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)?

• A. To promote dietary guidelines
• B. To assess the health and nutritional status of the U.S. population
• C. To provide health education in schools
• D. To grant nutritional funding to states

Answer: (B)

NHANES is designed to measure the health and nutritional status of the U.S. population. It does this by interviewing a representative sample and conducting physical exams and lab tests, giving a comprehensive snapshot of dietary intake, nutrient status, and health risks. This information helps track trends over time and informs public health policies and programs. The other options describe activities—promoting dietary guidelines, delivering school health education, and granting funding—that are not the primary aim of NHANES itself.