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 one function of essential fatty acids?

• A. improve skin integrity.
• B. control lipid digestion.
• C. reduce blood clotting time.
• D. form chylomicrons.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Essential fatty acids play a crucial role in improving skin integrity by supporting the structure and function of cell membranes. This helps in maintaining healthy skin and promoting overall well-being. The other choices are incorrect because essential fatty acids do not directly control lipid digestion, reduce blood clotting time, or form chylomicrons.

3. Which of the following provides the best source of nutrients?

• A. specific food combinations.
• B. a variety of foods.
• C. individual foods.
• D. a variety of food supplements.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A variety of foods is the best source of nutrients because it ensures a balanced intake of all essential nutrients required by the body. Option A, specific food combinations, may not provide all necessary nutrients as relying on only a few types of food may lead to deficiencies. Option C, individual foods, also may not provide a complete range of nutrients necessary for overall health. Option D, a variety of food supplements, is not the best source of nutrients as whole foods are generally more beneficial due to their natural nutrient composition and bioavailability.

4. Which observation provides evidence that a person has good nutritional status?

• A. Small muscle mass.
• B. Normal weight-to-height ratio.
• C. Smooth tongue.
• D. Fragile skin.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A normal weight-to-height ratio is a reliable indicator of good nutritional status as it suggests that the person is well-nourished and not underweight or overweight. Small muscle mass (choice A) can indicate malnutrition, a smooth tongue (choice C) can be a sign of vitamin deficiencies, and fragile skin (choice D) can be a sign of poor nutrition or other health issues, but they are not as direct indicators of good nutritional status as a normal weight-to-height ratio.

5. Individuals with optimal nutritional status differ from those with marginal nutritional status in their:

• A. nutrient reserves.
• B. clinical signs.
• C. body weight.
• D. risk of mental illness.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Individuals with optimal nutritional status differ from those with marginal nutritional status in their nutrient reserves. Optimal nutritional status implies having adequate nutrient reserves, which is lacking in marginal status. Clinical signs (choice B) may or may not be present in both groups and are not the differentiating factor between optimal and marginal statuses. Body weight (choice C) can vary for reasons other than nutritional status. The risk of mental illness (choice D) is not directly related to the comparison between optimal and marginal nutritional status.

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