Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary nutritional function of the large intestine?

• A. Absorption of fats.
• B. Excretion of waste products.
• C. Excretion of bacteria.
• D. Absorption of water.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Absorption of water. The primary nutritional function of the large intestine is to absorb water from the indigestible food residue that enters it from the small intestine. This absorption of water helps to form solid waste, which is then eliminated from the body. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the large intestine is not primarily responsible for the absorption of fats, excretion of waste products, or excretion of bacteria. While the large intestine does play a role in waste elimination and contains bacteria beneficial for digestion, its main function in terms of nutrition is the absorption of water.

2. 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.

3. Which nutrient has a protein-sparing effect?

• A. Glycerol
• B. Carbohydrate
• C. Nitrogen
• D. Fatty acids

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Carbohydrates have a protein-sparing effect, meaning that adequate carbohydrate intake can prevent the use of protein for energy. Glycerol, nitrogen, and fatty acids do not have a protein-sparing effect. Glycerol is a component of fats and oils, nitrogen is a component of proteins, and fatty acids are used primarily as an energy source.

4. Which component of protein contains nitrogen?

• A. Amino group
• B. Carboxyl group
• C. Peptide bond
• D. Side chain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the amino group. Amino groups are functional groups found in amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. These groups contain nitrogen and are essential for the structure and function of proteins. The carboxyl group (choice B) contains carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen, while the peptide bond (choice C) is a covalent bond formed between amino acids in a protein chain. The side chain (choice D) refers to the unique chemical structure attached to the central carbon of an amino acid and varies among different amino acids, but it does not specifically contain nitrogen.

5. In addition to poor eating habits, a factor that often contributes to marginal nutritional status is:

• A. dependence on caffeine.
• B. acute illness.
• C. low income.
• D. size of the family unit.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Low income is a significant factor contributing to marginal nutritional status due to limited access to nutritious food. While dependence on caffeine or acute illness can impact health, they are not as directly linked to marginal nutrition as low income. The size of the family unit may affect food distribution within the household but is not as directly related to marginal nutritional status as low income.

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