Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. In addition to calcium, the major minerals needed to build and maintain bone tissue include:

• A. potassium
• B. iron
• C. phosphorus
• D. fluoride

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: phosphorus. Phosphorus, along with calcium, is essential for bone health and maintenance. Potassium (choice A) is important for muscle function, iron (choice B) is crucial for red blood cell production, and fluoride (choice D) helps prevent tooth decay but is not a major mineral needed for bone tissue.

3. People with phenylketonuria should avoid foods made with which nonnutritive sweetener?

• A. acesulfame-K
• B. aspartame
• C. saccharin
• D. sucralose

Correct answer: B

Rationale: People with phenylketonuria should avoid aspartame because it contains phenylalanine, which they cannot metabolize. Acesulfame-K, saccharin, and sucralose do not contain phenylalanine and are safe for individuals with phenylketonuria. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Acesulfame-K, saccharin, and sucralose are incorrect choices because they do not pose a risk for individuals with phenylketonuria due to the absence of phenylalanine in their composition.

4. Which nutrient has a protein-sparing effect?

• A. Glycerol
• B. Carbohydrate
• C. Nitrogen
• D. Fatty acids

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Carbohydrates have a protein-sparing effect, meaning that adequate carbohydrate intake can prevent the use of protein for energy. Glycerol, nitrogen, and fatty acids do not have a protein-sparing effect. Glycerol is a component of fats and oils, nitrogen is a component of proteins, and fatty acids are used primarily as an energy source.

5. What role do the amino acids methionine, tyrosine, and tryptophan play?

• A. Forming neurotransmitters.
• B. Blocking excess protein breakdown.
• C. Increasing production of insulin and thyroxine.
• D. Decreasing energy expenditure.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Forming neurotransmitters. Methionine, tyrosine, and tryptophan are important amino acids involved in the production of neurotransmitters in the body. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across nerve cells, influencing various functions such as mood, memory, and muscle control. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because these amino acids do not primarily play a role in blocking protein breakdown, increasing insulin and thyroxine production, or decreasing energy expenditure.

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