Nursing Elites

1. Amino acids that can be synthesized by the body in sufficient amounts are known as:

• A. indispensable.
• B. dispensable.
• C. simple.
• D. complex.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, 'dispensable.' Dispensable amino acids are those that the body can synthesize in sufficient amounts, so they are not required to be obtained from the diet. Indispensable amino acids, on the other hand, are essential and must be obtained from the diet because the body cannot produce them in sufficient quantities. Choices C and D, 'simple' and 'complex,' are incorrect as they do not accurately describe amino acids in terms of synthesis by the body.

2. How is resistant starch digested in the colon?

• A. bacterial fermentation.
• B. pancreatic amylase.
• C. hydrochloric acid.
• D. villi and microvilli.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the colon, resistant starch is digested by bacterial fermentation. The correct answer is A. During this process, short-chain fatty acids are produced. Pancreatic amylase, as mentioned in choice B, is responsible for breaking down starch in the small intestine, not in the colon. Choice C, hydrochloric acid, functions in the stomach to aid in the digestion of proteins, not starch. Villi and microvilli, as stated in choice D, are structures in the small intestine that absorb nutrients; they do not participate in the digestion of resistant starch in the colon.

3. Which condition may benefit from branched chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, and valine)?

• A. cancer-related malnutrition
• B. marasmus
• C. cardiovascular disease
• D. severe depression

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Branched chain amino acids, such as leucine, isoleucine, and valine, are essential in preventing muscle breakdown. Therefore, they may be particularly important for a patient with cancer-related malnutrition, where maintaining muscle mass is crucial. Marasmus is a severe form of malnutrition characterized by energy deficiency, not specifically related to cancer. Cardiovascular disease and severe depression do not have a direct correlation with the need for branched chain amino acids to prevent muscle breakdown.

4. A protein that contains all the essential amino acids in the proper proportions is called:

• A. simple
• B. indispensable
• C. complete
• D. complementary

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A complete protein is the term used to describe a protein that contains all the essential amino acids required by the body in the right proportions. This makes choice C the correct answer. Choice A, 'simple,' is incorrect as it does not reflect the concept of essential amino acids. Choice B, 'indispensable,' while related to importance, does not specifically address the presence of all essential amino acids. Choice D, 'complementary,' is also incorrect as it refers to combining proteins to achieve a complete amino acid profile, rather than describing a protein that already contains all essential amino acids.

5. An important characteristic of amino acids is that they can:

• A. act as buffers.
• B. facilitate glucose storage.
• C. regulate heartbeat.
• D. control the level of blood cholesterol.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: act as buffers. Amino acids can act as buffers by helping to maintain the pH balance in the body. Choice B is incorrect because amino acids do not primarily facilitate glucose storage. Choice C is incorrect as amino acids do not regulate the heartbeat. Choice D is also incorrect because amino acids do not control the level of blood cholesterol.

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