Nursing Elites

1. A client at risk for iron-deficiency anemia is being taught by a nurse about optimizing dietary intake of iron. The nurse should explain that which of the following sources of iron is easiest for the body to absorb?

• A. Spinach
• B. Cantaloupe
• C. Chicken
• D. Lentils

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Chicken.' Chicken contains heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body compared to non-heme iron found in plant-based sources like spinach, cantaloupe, and lentils. Heme iron, as present in chicken, is more bioavailable and is better absorbed by the body, making it an excellent source of iron for individuals at risk of iron-deficiency anemia. Spinach, cantaloupe, and lentils contain non-heme iron, which is not as efficiently absorbed as heme iron.

2. Muscle weakness due to wasting would most likely be evaluated by which test?

• A. recall of food intake
• B. skinfold thickness
• C. handgrip strength
• D. red blood cell levels

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Handgrip strength is a reliable test to assess muscle function and detect muscle weakness due to wasting. It is often used to identify conditions like sarcopenia in clinical settings. Options A, B, and D are not suitable for evaluating muscle weakness. Food intake recall does not directly measure muscle function, skinfold thickness assesses body fat but not muscle strength, and red blood cell levels are unrelated to muscle wasting.

3. Weight loss therapies that rely on juicing typically provide increased fiber, vitamins, and minerals. As an added incentive, juices contain a lower concentration of sugar than the whole fruit. Are these statements true or false?

• A. Both statements are true
• B. Both statements are false
• C. The first statement is true; the second is false
• D. The first statement is false; the second is true

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is both statements are false. The process of juicing often extracts the liquid components of fruits and vegetables, leaving behind the fiber-rich pulp. Therefore, juicing does not typically provide increased fiber. Additionally, juices can contain a higher concentration of sugar than whole fruits because the fiber, which helps to slow down the absorption of sugar, has been removed. This can lead to a spike in blood sugar levels after consumption. The other options are incorrect because they contain at least one false statement.

4. Which individual would be at the greatest risk for deficiencies in water-soluble vitamins?

• A. An individual who regularly consumes fruits and vegetables.
• B. An individual with a high intake of dairy products.
• C. An individual who consumes a diet high in processed foods.
• D. An individual who frequently eats organ meats.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'An individual who consumes a diet high in processed foods.' Processed foods are often deficient in water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin C and B vitamins, which can lead to deficiencies. On the other hand, fruits, vegetables, and organ meats are rich sources of these vitamins, so individuals who consume these regularly are less likely to develop deficiencies. While dairy products do contain some water-soluble vitamins, they are not depleted as quickly as they are in a diet high in processed foods, making a deficiency less likely.

5. Dietary fiber has been recommended for its possible benefits in reducing heart disease by lowering blood cholesterol. How is fiber thought to play its role in lowering blood cholesterol?

• A. Insoluble fiber binds with cholesterol in the large intestine and is excreted in feces
• B. Viscous fiber binds with bile in the intestine and is excreted in feces
• C. Soluble fiber binds with cholesterol in the blood and is excreted by the liver
• D. Insoluble fiber converts to bile in the large intestine and binds with cholesterol

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Viscous (soluble) fiber binds with bile acids in the intestine, which are then excreted. The liver must use cholesterol to make more bile acids, thereby lowering blood cholesterol levels. Choice A is incorrect as insoluble fiber does not bind with cholesterol in the large intestine. Choice C is incorrect as soluble fiber does not directly bind with cholesterol in the blood. Choice D is incorrect as insoluble fiber does not convert to bile in the large intestine to bind with cholesterol.

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