Nursing Elites

1. At what pH does the digestion of protein by pepsin in the stomach require?

• A. 1.8 and 3.5.
• B. 4.8 and 7.0.
• C. 6.8 and 8.5.
• D. 7.8 and 10.0.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 1.8 and 3.5. Pepsin, an enzyme involved in protein digestion, functions optimally in an acidic environment, specifically between pH 1.8 and 3.5. This low pH is necessary for pepsin to break down proteins effectively. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because pepsin requires a highly acidic environment, ruling out the pH ranges listed in those options.

2. 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.

3. How is the enzyme trypsin activated?

• A. By zymogen.
• B. By bile.
• C. By gastrin.
• D. By enterokinase.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: By enterokinase. Trypsin is activated by enterokinase, an enzyme secreted by the small intestine. Enterokinase plays a crucial role in converting trypsinogen into its active form, trypsin. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because trypsin is specifically activated by enterokinase, not by zymogen, bile, or gastrin.

4. Where does the absorption of most nutrients occur?

• A. Large intestine.
• B. Small intestine.
• C. Stomach.
• D. Mouth.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The absorption of most nutrients occurs in the small intestine. This is where digested food is broken down further and absorbed into the bloodstream through the intestinal walls. The large intestine primarily absorbs water and electrolytes, while the stomach mainly aids in digestion by breaking down food with gastric juices. The mouth is responsible for the initial mechanical breakdown of food through chewing and the enzymatic action of saliva, but absorption does not occur there.

5. 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.

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