Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. Muscle weakness due to wasting would most likely be evaluated by which test?

• A. recall of food intake
• B. skinfold thickness
• C. handgrip strength
• D. red blood cell levels

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Handgrip strength is a reliable test to assess muscle function and detect muscle weakness due to wasting. It is often used to identify conditions like sarcopenia in clinical settings. Options A, B, and D are not suitable for evaluating muscle weakness. Food intake recall does not directly measure muscle function, skinfold thickness assesses body fat but not muscle strength, and red blood cell levels are unrelated to muscle wasting.

3. Which dietary approach is most beneficial for managing hypertension?

• A. Increasing caffeine intake
• B. Reducing sodium intake
• C. Increasing dietary cholesterol
• D. Reducing fiber intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Reducing sodium intake is the most beneficial dietary approach for managing hypertension. High sodium intake can lead to increased blood pressure, so lowering sodium intake is crucial in managing hypertension. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because increasing caffeine intake, dietary cholesterol, or reducing fiber intake are not recommended dietary approaches for managing hypertension and may even have adverse effects on blood pressure levels.

4. Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are most likely associated with disturbed defecation, bloating, and _____.

• A. rectal bleeding
• B. abdominal pain
• C. rectal fissures
• D. esophageal paralysis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Abdominal pain is a common symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), along with bloating and changes in bowel habits. Rectal bleeding (choice A) is more commonly associated with conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer. Rectal fissures (choice C) may cause rectal bleeding but are not typically considered a core symptom of IBS. Esophageal paralysis (choice D) is unrelated to the symptoms of IBS, which primarily affect the lower gastrointestinal tract.

5. James wants to know the recommended intake for iron for his gender and age. Which of the following would provide the best answer for James?

• A. EAR
• B. UL
• C. RDA
• D. DV

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is the correct answer for James because it provides the daily intake level that meets the nutrient needs of most healthy individuals in a specific age and gender group. Choice A, EAR (Estimated Average Requirement), represents the average daily nutrient intake level estimated to meet the requirement of half the healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group. Choice B, UL (Tolerable Upper Intake Level), is the maximum daily intake unlikely to cause adverse health effects. Choice D, DV (Daily Value), is a general guide used for food labeling that represents how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet based on a 2000-calorie daily intake.

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