what does the term essential nutrient refer to

HESI LPN

HESI PN Nutrition Practice Exam

1. What does the term 'essential nutrient' refer to?

A. A nutrient that can be synthesized by the body.
B. A nutrient that is required for proper body functioning.
C. A nutrient that must be obtained from the diet because the body cannot produce it.
D. A nutrient that can be stored in the body for long periods.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. An essential nutrient is a substance that is necessary for normal body functioning but cannot be synthesized in adequate amounts by the body, therefore it must be obtained from the diet. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because essential nutrients are not synthesized by the body, they are necessary for body functioning, and they are not typically stored in the body for long periods.

2. What is an essential aspect of managing a child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)?

A. Encouraging joint mobility and physical therapy
B. Restricting all forms of exercise
C. Increasing sugar intake
D. Using only oral medications

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging joint mobility and physical therapy is crucial in managing juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). This approach helps maintain joint function, reduce stiffness, and improve the overall quality of life for children with JIA. Restricting all forms of exercise (Choice B) is not recommended, as appropriate physical activity is beneficial for joint health and overall well-being. Increasing sugar intake (Choice C) is not a recommended practice for managing JIA, as a healthy diet is important for overall well-being and can help reduce inflammation. Using only oral medications (Choice D) may not be sufficient for managing JIA, as a comprehensive treatment plan often includes a combination of medications, physical therapy, and other interventions to effectively manage the condition.

3. An essential nutrient is one that ___

A. must be made in large quantities by the body
B. can only be synthesized by the body
C. cannot be made in sufficient quantities by the body
D. is used to synthesize other compounds in the body

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An essential nutrient is a substance that cannot be made in sufficient quantities by the body itself, so it must be obtained from the diet. Choice A is incorrect because essential nutrients are required in specific amounts, not necessarily large quantities. Choice B is incorrect as essential nutrients cannot be synthesized by the body at all. Choice D is incorrect because although essential nutrients may be used in the synthesis of other compounds, that is not the defining characteristic of an essential nutrient.

4. How many minerals are known to be essential for human nutrition?

A. 8
B. 12
C. 16
D. 20

Correct answer: C

Rationale: There are 16 essential minerals required for human nutrition. These minerals include calcium, potassium, iron, and others. Choice A (8) is incorrect as it underestimates the number of essential minerals. Choice B (12) is also incorrect as it does not encompass the full count of essential minerals. Choice D (20) is incorrect as it overestimates the number of essential minerals.

5. What term describes foods that contain non-nutrient substances whose known action in the body is to promote well-being to a greater extent than that contributed by the food's nutrients?

A. fortified foods
B. enriched foods
C. functional foods
D. health-enhancing foods

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Functional foods are specifically designed to promote health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Fortified foods (choice A) are those with added nutrients that are not originally present, enriched foods (choice B) have nutrients added back that were lost during processing, and health-enhancing foods (choice D) is a vague and less specific term compared to functional foods.