Nursing Elites

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. Where is Vitamin K synthesized?

• A. by bacteria in the GI tract
• B. by the body by sunlight
• C. deficiency is called beriberi
• D. found in vegetable oils

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Vitamin K is synthesized by bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Choice B is incorrect as the synthesis of Vitamin D, not K, can be induced by sunlight exposure. Choice C is incorrect as beriberi is a condition caused by thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency, not Vitamin K. Choice D is incorrect as Vitamin E is commonly found in vegetable oils, not Vitamin K.

3. 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.

4. Why might patients with periodontal disease require increased protein intake?

• A. Both the statement and the reason are correct and related
• B. Both the statement and the reason are correct but are not related
• C. The statement is correct, but the reason is not correct
• D. The statement is not correct, but the reason is correct

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Patients with periodontal disease may require increased protein intake due to the physiological response to inflammation and infection, which can negatively impact protein synthesis. Protein is essential for wound healing and tissue repair, and an infection can increase the body's protein requirements. Therefore, ensuring an adequate protein intake is particularly important for these patients. Choice A is correct because the statement and reason are both accurate and directly related to each other, supporting the increased protein needs in patients with periodontal disease. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately assess the relationship between the statement and the reason provided in the question.

5. What is the main function of dietary fiber in managing cholesterol levels?

• A. To reduce absorption of dietary fats
• B. To increase cholesterol synthesis
• C. To enhance protein digestion
• D. To decrease cholesterol absorption

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Dietary fiber helps lower cholesterol levels by binding to bile acids and reducing cholesterol absorption.

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