ATI RN
Nutrition ATI Proctored Exam 2023
1. A nurse in a prenatal clinic is educating a client about expected changes during pregnancy. The nurse should instruct the client about which change during pregnancy is related to the slowing of the gastrointestinal tract?
- A. Diarrhea
- B. Constipation
- C. Decreased absorption of iron
- D. Decreased absorption of calcium
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During pregnancy, the hormonal changes can lead to the slowing down of the gastrointestinal tract, causing constipation. This occurs due to increased progesterone levels, which relax smooth muscles, including those in the intestines, leading to slower bowel movements. Diarrhea is not typically associated with the slowing of the gastrointestinal tract during pregnancy. While there may be changes in the absorption of nutrients like iron and calcium, they are not directly related to the slowing of the gastrointestinal tract.
2. What physiologic role does magnesium play in the body?
- A. Blood clotting, transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction and relaxation
- B. Calcium homeostasis, structural integrity of heart muscle
- C. No known metabolic function, caries-preventing properties
- D. ATP energy release; metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, proteins; regulates acid-base balance
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Magnesium plays an important role in maintaining calcium homeostasis and preventing skeletal abnormalities. It is involved in more than 300 enzymatic reactions, including energy metabolism, insulin activity, and glucose use. Magnesium is vital to the structural integrity of heart muscle and other muscles and nerves. While magnesium does play a role in blood clotting, nerve impulses, muscle contraction, relaxation, ATP energy release, and metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, the primary physiologic role of magnesium in the body is related to calcium homeostasis and maintaining the structural integrity of the heart muscle. Choice A is incorrect because it includes functions of magnesium, but they are not its primary physiologic role. Choice C is incorrect as magnesium has several known metabolic functions. Choice D is incorrect because although magnesium is involved in ATP energy release and metabolism, its primary role is related to calcium homeostasis and structural integrity of muscle.
3. Which set of guidelines is intended to assess nutrient adequacy or plan intakes of population groups, not individuals?
- A. Old Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA)
- B. Estimated Average Requirement (EAR)
- C. New Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA)
- D. Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL)
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) is specifically designed to assess nutrient adequacy or plan intakes for population groups, not for individuals. The Old and New Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) are meant for individuals, not groups, as they provide guidelines for specific nutrient intake levels for healthy individuals. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) is used to set the highest level of nutrient intake that is likely to pose no risk of adverse health effects for most individuals in a group, which is different from assessing nutrient adequacy for groups.
4. To raise HDL levels, what is Mrs. Smith advised to do?
- A. quit smoking
- B. increase dietary sodium
- C. take iron supplements
- D. avoid dairy products
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: quit smoking. Smoking lowers HDL levels, so quitting smoking is crucial to raising HDL levels. Increasing dietary sodium (choice B) is not linked to raising HDL levels and can have negative effects on cardiovascular health. Taking iron supplements (choice C) is not directly related to increasing HDL levels. Avoiding dairy products (choice D) is not necessary to raise HDL levels; in fact, some dairy products like low-fat options can be part of a heart-healthy diet.
5. In comparison to infants born to women of normal weight, infants born to obese women are _____.
- A. less likely to have heart defects
- B. more likely to be of very low birthweight
- C. less likely to experience a complicated birth
- D. more likely to have neural tube defects
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Infants born to obese women are more likely to have neural tube defects compared to infants born to women of normal weight. This increased risk is attributed to factors such as poor maternal nutrition and increased inflammation during pregnancy. Choice A is incorrect because infants born to obese women have a higher risk of heart defects. Choice B is incorrect as infants born to obese women are more likely to have higher birthweights. Choice C is incorrect as obese women are more likely to experience complications during birth.