Nursing Elites

1. Foodborne illness may be caused by contamination of food with:

• A. pesticides.
• B. genetically modified ingredients.
• C. microorganisms.
• D. food additives.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: microorganisms. Microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, are common causes of foodborne illnesses. These pathogens can contaminate food during various stages of production, processing, or preparation. Choice A, pesticides, are chemicals used to control pests and are not a common cause of foodborne illnesses. Genetically modified ingredients, choice B, refer to foods derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and are not inherently linked to foodborne illnesses. Food additives, choice D, are substances added to food to preserve flavor or enhance taste and are not typically the primary cause of foodborne illnesses.

2. Pepsinogen secreted by the gastric cells is converted into pepsin by:

• A. enterokinase
• B. hydrochloric acid
• C. gastric lipase
• D. pancreatic lipase

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pepsinogen is converted into its active form, pepsin, by hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Hydrochloric acid helps in unfolding the pepsinogen molecule to transform it into pepsin, which is crucial for protein digestion. Therefore, the correct answer is hydrochloric acid (choice B). Enterokinase (choice A) is an enzyme produced in the small intestine that activates trypsinogen into trypsin, not pepsinogen. Gastric lipase (choice C) is an enzyme that digests fats, not involved in converting pepsinogen to pepsin. Pancreatic lipase (choice D) is an enzyme produced by the pancreas that aids in breaking down fats in the small intestine, not part of the process of pepsin activation.

3. Which lipoprotein carries fat from a meal just consumed to the liver?

• A. Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL).
• B. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
• C. Chylomicrons.
• D. High-density lipoprotein (HDL).

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Chylomicrons are the lipoproteins responsible for transporting dietary fat from the intestines to various tissues, including the liver. VLDL carries lipids synthesized in the liver, LDL transports cholesterol to tissues, and HDL helps transport cholesterol away from tissues to the liver for excretion. Therefore, in the context of carrying fat from a meal just consumed to the liver, chylomicrons are the correct choice.

4. What is the primary function of protein in the diet?

• A. supply energy.
• B. synthesize vitamins.
• C. build and repair tissue.
• D. store glycogen.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary function of protein in the diet is to build and repair tissues. Proteins are essential for the growth, maintenance, and repair of body tissues like muscles, skin, and organs. While proteins can be a source of energy, their primary role is not to supply energy, making choice A incorrect. Choice B is also incorrect as proteins do not synthesize vitamins; rather, they are essential nutrients themselves. Choice D is inaccurate because glycogen is a form of stored glucose in the body, not a function of protein.

5. 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.

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