atherosclerosis is dangerous to arterial function because

ATI RN

ATI Nutrition Practice A

1. Why is atherosclerosis dangerous to arterial function?

A. It diminishes central circulation
B. It causes decreased blood pressure on artery walls
C. It narrows the arterial lumen so a clot can easily block it
D. It increases arterial elasticity

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Atherosclerosis is dangerous to arterial function because it narrows the arterial lumen, increasing the risk of a clot completely blocking the blood flow. This can lead to severe cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or strokes. Choice A is incorrect since atherosclerosis does not primarily diminish central circulation, but rather, it impedes local blood flow where the plaque is present. Choice B is also incorrect as atherosclerosis increases the pressure on artery walls due to the narrowed space for blood flow, not decrease it. Lastly, choice D is incorrect as atherosclerosis causes the arteries to lose their elasticity, not increase it.

2. What should be recommended to help prevent early childhood caries (ECC) in infants?

A. Avoid giving the infant nighttime bottles
B. Have the infant drink pasteurized skim milk
C. Feed the infant iron-rich foods
D. Give the infant fruit juice to drink

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'A: Avoid giving the infant nighttime bottles' because prolonged exposure to sugars in milk during the night can lead to caries. Options 'B: Have the infant drink pasteurized skim milk' and 'D: Give the infant fruit juice to drink' are not recommended as they contain sugars that can cause cavities, especially in infants. Option 'C: Feed the infant iron-rich foods' is incorrect because while a balanced diet is important, iron-rich foods do not directly prevent caries development.

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. 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. Which strategy would most likely help alleviate some of the nausea that a 10-week pregnant woman experiences every morning, preventing her from eating breakfast?

A. Increase intake of dairy products, including yogurt and ice cream
B. Maintain an upright position while eating
C. Opt for foods that are high in fiber
D. Consume small, frequent meals when hunger strikes

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Consume small, frequent meals when hunger strikes.' This strategy is ideal for managing morning sickness because it prevents the stomach from becoming too empty, which can exacerbate nausea. Option A may not be helpful because dairy products can sometimes worsen nausea. Option B is not the most effective solution as the sitting position does not directly impact nausea levels. Option C, while generally beneficial for digestion and overall health, does not specifically address the issue of pregnancy-related nausea.