Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. With respect to its effect on colon microflora, fiber is considered a:

• A. prebiotic.
• B. probiotic.
• C. functional food.
• D. protective agent.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: prebiotic. Fiber acts as a prebiotic by providing a food source for beneficial bacteria in the colon, promoting their growth and activity. This helps maintain a healthy balance of microflora in the gut. Choice B, probiotic, is incorrect as fiber itself does not contain live beneficial bacteria but rather supports their growth. Choice C, functional food, is too broad and doesn't specifically address fiber's role in promoting beneficial bacteria. Choice D, protective agent, is vague and does not directly relate to fiber's specific function in colon microflora.

3. Which of the following plasma proteins helps maintain fluid balance?

• A. Albumin
• B. Fibrinogen
• C. Hemoglobin
• D. Collagen

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Albumin is the correct answer. It is a plasma protein that helps maintain osmotic pressure, thereby playing a vital role in regulating fluid balance in the body. Fibrinogen is involved in blood clotting, not fluid balance. Hemoglobin is responsible for oxygen transport in red blood cells, not fluid balance. Collagen is a structural protein found in connective tissues, not directly involved in fluid balance.

4. An important characteristic of amino acids is that they can:

• A. act as buffers.
• B. facilitate glucose storage.
• C. regulate heartbeat.
• D. control the level of blood cholesterol.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: act as buffers. Amino acids can act as buffers by helping to maintain the pH balance in the body. Choice B is incorrect because amino acids do not primarily facilitate glucose storage. Choice C is incorrect as amino acids do not regulate the heartbeat. Choice D is also incorrect because amino acids do not control the level of blood cholesterol.

5. 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.

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