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. How many amino acids are considered indispensable or essential?

• A. 9
• B. 10
• C. 12
• D. 14

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 9. Nine amino acids are considered essential or indispensable because they cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through the diet. These amino acids include histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as the number of essential amino acids is specifically 9, as they are crucial for various bodily functions.

3. Fructose is the sugar found in:

• A. bread.
• B. gelatin desserts.
• C. sugar-coated cereals.
• D. honey and fruit.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Fructose is a sugar naturally found in honey and fruit. While bread contains carbohydrates, it does not primarily consist of fructose. Gelatin desserts are more likely to contain added sugars like sucrose rather than fructose. Sugar-coated cereals typically contain sucrose or other added sugars, not just fructose. Therefore, the correct answer is honey and fruit as they naturally contain fructose.

4. Individual nutrients are characterized by their ability to:

• A. work independently.
• B. fulfill specific metabolic roles.
• C. influence weight loss.
• D. improve mental status.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'fulfill specific metabolic roles.' Nutrients play essential roles in specific metabolic processes in the body such as energy production, tissue repair, and growth. Choice A, 'work independently,' is incorrect as nutrients often work synergistically rather than alone. Choice C, 'influence weight loss,' is incorrect as while some nutrients may support weight loss indirectly through metabolic processes, it is not their primary characteristic. Choice D, 'improve mental status,' is also incorrect as while some nutrients are important for brain health, their primary role is not specifically to improve mental status.

5. In an analysis of the amino acid composition of foods, the amino acid occurring in the smallest amount is called:

• A. indispensable.
• B. dispensable.
• C. complementary.
• D. limiting.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'limiting.' In the analysis of the amino acid composition of foods, the amino acid that occurs in the smallest amount is referred to as the limiting amino acid. This term is used because when one essential amino acid is deficient, it limits the synthesis of proteins, making it crucial in determining protein quality. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. 'Indispensable' and 'dispensable' refer to the essentiality of amino acids, and 'complementary' does not describe the concept of the amino acid occurring in the smallest amount.

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