Nursing Elites

1. What describes a common physical change of aging that can affect an older adult's nutrition?

• A. reduced salivary output
• B. increased gastrointestinal motility
• C. abnormal cortisol production
• D. increase in number of taste buds

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Reduced salivary output is a common physical change in aging. This can affect an older adult's nutrition by impacting chewing, swallowing, and taste perception. The decrease in saliva production can make it harder to chew and swallow food effectively, affecting the overall eating experience. Additionally, saliva plays a role in taste perception, so a reduction in salivary output can lead to alterations in how food tastes, potentially impacting an individual's appetite and food choices. Increased gastrointestinal motility (choice B) is not typically associated with aging and would not directly affect nutrition. Abnormal cortisol production (choice C) is related to hormonal changes and is not a common physical change of aging that affects nutrition. An increase in the number of taste buds (choice D) is not a typical change associated with aging and would not have a significant impact on an older adult's nutrition.

2. Select all that apply. Characteristics of the 2 main types of essential fatty acids discussed in class include:

• A. they must be supplied by the diet
• B. they can be produced by a process called dehydrogenation
• C. they are anti-inflammatory
• D. they are all polyunsaturated fatty acids

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'they must be supplied by the diet.' Essential fatty acids, like omega-3 and omega-6, cannot be produced by the body and must be obtained through the diet. They are polyunsaturated fatty acids, playing vital roles in inflammation and cell membrane structure. Choice B is incorrect because essential fatty acids cannot be produced by dehydrogenation, a process of removing hydrogen. Choice C is incorrect as not all essential fatty acids are anti-inflammatory; some have pro-inflammatory roles. Choice D is incorrect because not all essential fatty acids are polyunsaturated; omega-9, for example, is a monounsaturated essential fatty acid.

3. The nurse cares for a hospitalized adolescent with the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa. Which nursing goal is a priority for this client?

• A. Encourage effective coping skills
• B. Restore normal eating habits
• C. Stop weight loss or restore weight
• D. Promote realistic self-image

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the treatment of anorexia nervosa, stopping weight loss or restoring weight is a critical priority. This helps address the immediate health risks associated with severe malnutrition and supports the client's physical well-being. Encouraging effective coping skills, restoring normal eating habits, and promoting a realistic self-image are essential aspects of treatment but may come later in the care plan once the immediate risk of severe weight loss has been addressed.

4. Which set of guidelines is intended to assess nutrient adequacy or plan intake of a population group, not individuals?

• A. RDA
• B. EAR
• C. DRA
• D. UL

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) is the correct choice because it is specifically designed to assess the nutrient adequacy of population groups, not individuals. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) (choice A) is the average daily level of intake sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97%-98%) healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group. The Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) (choice C) includes the EAR, RDA, Adequate Intake (AI), and UL, making it a broader set of nutrient reference values. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) (choice D) is the highest average daily nutrient intake level that is likely to pose no risk of adverse health effects to almost all individuals in the general population.

5. Studies suggest that leukoplakia is resolved by excess vitamin A (a fat-soluble vitamin), retinoids, and beta-carotene. Leukoplakia is a white plaque that forms on oral mucous membranes.

• A. Both statements are true.
• B. Both statements are false.
• C. The first statement is true; the second is false.
• D. The first statement is false; the second is true.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Both statements are false. Studies suggest that leukoplakia, a white plaque that forms on oral mucous membranes, can be resolved by vitamin A, retinoids, and beta-carotene. Despite the potential to resolve leukoplakia, relapse is common. Also pertinent, evidence does not indicate that any of these nutrients prevent malignant transformation. The extract provided clarifies that leukoplakia is a white plaque, not an erythematous lesion, and that vitamin A, retinoids, and beta-carotene can help resolve it.

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