Nursing Elites

1. What physiologic role does magnesium 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: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Magnesium plays an important role in maintaining calcium homeostasis and preventing skeletal abnormalities. It is involved in more than 300 enzymatic reactions, including energy metabolism, insulin activity, and glucose use. Magnesium is vital to the structural integrity of heart muscle and other muscles and nerves. While magnesium does play a role in blood clotting, nerve impulses, muscle contraction, relaxation, ATP energy release, and metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, the primary physiologic role of magnesium in the body is related to calcium homeostasis and maintaining the structural integrity of the heart muscle. Choice A is incorrect because it includes functions of magnesium, but they are not its primary physiologic role. Choice C is incorrect as magnesium has several known metabolic functions. Choice D is incorrect because although magnesium is involved in ATP energy release and metabolism, its primary role is related to calcium homeostasis and structural integrity of muscle.

2. What describes a criterion used to diagnose diabetes?

• A. a plasma glucose concentration of 100 mg/dL or higher after a fast of at least 12 hours
• B. a casual blood sample of 200 mg/dL or higher in a person with classic symptoms
• C. a plasma glucose concentration measured two hours after a 200-gram glucose load is 400 mg/dL or higher
• D. a HbA1C higher than 5 percent

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A casual blood sample of 200 mg/dL or higher in a person with classic symptoms is a diagnostic criterion for diabetes. This choice aligns with the typical clinical presentation of diabetes and is a key diagnostic indicator. Choices A, C, and D do not accurately reflect the established criteria for diagnosing diabetes, making them incorrect. Choice A pertains to a fasting plasma glucose level, Choice C involves a glucose challenge test, and Choice D refers to HbA1C levels, which are used for monitoring blood sugar control over time, not for diagnosing diabetes.

3. What would a diet manual most likely contain?

• A. Procedures for disinfecting cooking surfaces
• B. Staff sanitation guidelines
• C. Information on specific patients' resting metabolic rates
• D. Specific food preparation methods

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A diet manual typically contains guidance on specific food preparation methods to ensure proper nutrition and health for individuals following the diet. Therefore, choice D is correct. Choices A and B refer to sanitation procedures and staff hygiene issues, which are important but not typically the focus of a diet manual. Choice C, regarding specific patients' resting metabolic rates, is too individualized and detailed for a general diet manual, as it would be part of a personalized dietary plan developed with a healthcare professional.

4. What activities best describe the work of the placenta during pregnancy?

• A. surrounding and cushioning the fetus
• B. combining maternal and fetal blood stores to exchange nutrients
• C. producing hormones that maintain the pregnancy
• D. absorbing vitamins and minerals that can be transferred to the fetus

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The placenta plays a crucial role in producing hormones that are necessary for maintaining pregnancy, supporting fetal development, and preparing the mother's body for childbirth. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the placenta's primary function is not to surround and cushion the fetus, combine blood stores for nutrient exchange, or absorb vitamins and minerals. While the placenta does facilitate the exchange of nutrients and oxygen between the mother and fetus, its hormone production is the most critical function during pregnancy.

5. A nurse is teaching a client about preparing low-fat meals. The nurse should include that which of the following oils contains saturated fat?

• A. Corn
• B. Olive
• C. Canola
• D. Coconut

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Coconut oil contains a high amount of saturated fat, which can increase LDL cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease. Olive, corn, and canola oils are primarily unsaturated fats, which are considered heart-healthy fats. Olive oil, in particular, is rich in monounsaturated fats, while corn and canola oils are good sources of polyunsaturated fats. Therefore, the correct answer is Coconut because it contains saturated fat, unlike the other options.

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