Nursing Elites

1. Which body organ is responsible for the metabolic processing of glucose?

• A. Large intestine.
• B. Gallbladder.
• C. Pancreas.
• D. Liver.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is the liver. The liver plays a central role in glucose homeostasis by metabolically processing glucose. The large intestine is primarily involved in absorbing water and electrolytes, not glucose. The gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver but is not directly involved in glucose metabolism. Although the pancreas produces insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, the liver is mainly responsible for the metabolic processing of glucose.

2. 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.

3. People with phenylketonuria should avoid foods made with which nonnutritive sweetener?

• A. acesulfame-K
• B. aspartame
• C. saccharin
• D. sucralose

Correct answer: B

Rationale: People with phenylketonuria should avoid aspartame because it contains phenylalanine, which they cannot metabolize. Acesulfame-K, saccharin, and sucralose do not contain phenylalanine and are safe for individuals with phenylketonuria. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Acesulfame-K, saccharin, and sucralose are incorrect choices because they do not pose a risk for individuals with phenylketonuria due to the absence of phenylalanine in their composition.

4. The lining of the stomach and intestine is protected from self-digestion by:

• A. pepsinogen.
• B. bile.
• C. mucus.
• D. fat.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: mucus. Mucus forms a protective barrier that prevents the stomach and intestine from digesting themselves. Pepsinogen (choice A) is an inactive form of pepsin, a digestive enzyme, and does not protect the stomach lining. Bile (choice B) aids in the digestion and absorption of fats but does not protect the stomach lining. Fat (choice D) is a nutrient and energy source; it does not play a role in protecting the stomach and intestine from self-digestion.

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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