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. What is the chemical structure that forms the base component of an amino acid?

• A. carboxyl group
• B. carbon chain
• C. radicals
• D. amino group

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is the amino group. Amino acids consist of an amino group (NH2), a carboxyl group (COOH), a hydrogen atom, and a variable side chain attached to a central carbon atom. The amino group is essential for the formation of proteins. The carboxyl group is not the base component but another important functional group in amino acids. Carbon chain and radicals are not specific chemical structures that form the base component of an amino acid.

3. Two amino acids are chemically joined by a:

• A. double bond.
• B. hydrogen bond.
• C. carboxyl bond.
• D. peptide bond.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, peptide bond. A peptide bond is formed through a dehydration synthesis reaction between the amine group of one amino acid and the carboxyl group of another amino acid. This bond is crucial in protein synthesis. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. A double bond involves sharing two pairs of electrons, a hydrogen bond is a weak attraction between a hydrogen atom and an electronegative atom, and a carboxyl bond is not a common term in biochemistry.

4. 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.

5. What does the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) represent?

• A. a replacement for Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs).
• B. a safe level of intake for people of all ages.
• C. a potentially toxic level of intake of a nutrient.
• D. the highest amount of a nutrient that can be safely consumed.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) represents the highest amount of a nutrient that can be safely consumed without causing adverse health effects. It is not a replacement for Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) (choice A) which are nutrient intake recommendations. While the UL is established to prevent toxicity, it is not a completely safe level for people of all ages (choice B). It is also not a potentially toxic level of intake of a nutrient (choice C), but rather the level that is unlikely to cause adverse health effects.

Similar Questions