Nursing Elites

1. What would you do to increase the amount of iron absorbed from a meal?

• A. Drink plenty of coffee before each meal
• B. Avoid eating foods rich in vitamin C with the meal
• C. Eat a calcium-rich food with the meal
• D. Consume orange juice as a beverage with a meal

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Consume orange juice as a beverage with a meal'. This is because Vitamin C significantly enhances the absorption of non-heme iron, a form of iron found in plant-based foods. Therefore, consuming orange juice, which is rich in vitamin C, with a meal can effectively increase iron absorption. On the contrary, choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Coffee (Choice A) contains polyphenols that can inhibit iron absorption. Avoiding vitamin C-rich foods (Choice B) would decrease iron absorption, not increase it. While calcium (Choice C) is essential for many bodily processes, it can actually inhibit iron absorption when consumed together.

2. Which enzyme digests fiber in the large intestine?

• A. salivary amylase
• B. pancreatic amylase
• C. cellulase
• D. none of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'none of the above.' Human digestive enzymes like salivary amylase and pancreatic amylase cannot digest fiber. Instead, fiber is fermented by gut bacteria in the large intestine. Cellulase, which is an enzyme produced by some animals and microorganisms, can break down cellulose found in plants, but it is not a human digestive enzyme, making it an incorrect choice in this context.

3. What physiologic role does calcium play in the body?

• A. Blood clotting, transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction and relaxation
• B. Calcium homeostasis, structural integrity of heart muscle
• C. No known metabolic function, caries-preventing properties
• D. ATP energy release; metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, proteins; regulates acid-base balance.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Blood clotting, transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction and relaxation.' Calcium plays a crucial role in various physiological functions such as blood clotting, transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction and relaxation, membrane permeability, and activation of certain enzymes. Choice B is incorrect because while calcium is involved in calcium homeostasis, it is not the only role it plays in the body. Choice C is incorrect as calcium indeed has several known metabolic functions, and it is not solely for preventing caries. Choice D is also incorrect as the functions mentioned are primarily carried out by other nutrients and not specifically by calcium.

4. In which condition is underconsumption of fat not a concern?

• A. Malabsorption syndromes
• B. Cystic fibrosis
• C. AIDS
• D. Hypertension

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Hypertension. Hypertension is not typically associated with underconsumption of fat; instead, it is more related to the consumption of excess fat, especially saturated and trans fats, which can contribute to increased blood pressure. Malabsorption syndromes, cystic fibrosis, and AIDS are conditions where underconsumption of fat can be a concern due to various reasons such as malabsorption issues, pancreatic insufficiency, or increased energy needs.

5. Myxedema coma is a life-threatening complication of long-standing and untreated hypothyroidism with one of the following characteristics.

• A. Hyperglycemia
• B. Hypothermia
• C. Hyperthermia
• D. Hypoglycemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Myxedema coma is associated with hypothermia, not hyperthermia. Therefore, the correct characteristic of myxedema coma is hypothermia. This condition is a medical emergency that requires prompt recognition and intervention to prevent serious complications. The presence of hyperglycemia is not a defining characteristic of myxedema coma, making choice A the correct answer in this case. Hyperthermia and hypoglycemia are not typically seen in myxedema coma and are not consistent with the clinical presentation of this condition.

Similar Questions