Nursing Elites

1. Where does carbohydrate digestion begin?

• A. Mouth
• B. Esophagus
• C. Stomach
• D. Small intestine

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Carbohydrate digestion begins in the mouth. The enzyme amylase, found in saliva, starts the process by breaking down starches into sugars. The esophagus is a passageway for food to reach the stomach and does not participate in digestion. The stomach mainly digests proteins and is not the primary site for carbohydrate breakdown. While the small intestine does play a crucial role in digesting carbohydrates, it is not where the process initiates. Therefore, the correct answer is the mouth.

2. What is the approximate energy value of alcohol?

• A. 3 kcal/g
• B. 7 kcal/g
• C. 10 kcal/g
• D. 25 kcal/g

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 7 kcal/g. Alcohol provides approximately 7 kilocalories per gram, making it a significant source of energy or 'empty calories' in the diet that do not contain any nutrients. 'Empty calories' refer to the calorie content without the presence of essential nutrients. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. The energy values of 3 kcal/g, 10 kcal/g, and 25 kcal/g are not accurate for alcohol; instead, they may pertain to other nutrients such as carbohydrates (approximately 4 kcal/g), fats (approximately 9 kcal/g), and oils (approximately 9 kcal/g).

3. By the age of three, which age-appropriate food skill can a child typically perform?

• A. Using utensils and a napkin
• B. Spearing food with a fork
• C. Measuring liquids
• D. Displaying proper table manners

Correct answer: B

Rationale: By the age of three, a child typically develops the motor skills needed to spear food with a fork. This is a critical milestone in self-feeding as it shows progress in fine motor coordination. Choice 'A' is incorrect because using utensils and a napkin properly is a skill that may take longer to develop and refine. Choice 'C' is not correct as measuring liquids requires a higher level of motor skills and understanding of quantities that a three-year-old child might not possess. Choice 'D' is also incorrect as the proper display of table manners is a complex skill that is typically learned over a longer period and involves social and cultural norms.

4. A client receiving continuous enteral tube feeding reports cramping and abdominal distention. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Check for gastric residual.
• B. Apply low intermittent suction.
• C. Increase the rate of the feeding.
• D. Request a higher-fat formula.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a client on continuous enteral tube feeding experiences cramping and abdominal distention, the nurse should check for gastric residual. This assessment helps determine if the client is tolerating the feeding well or if there is a potential issue such as feeding intolerance. Applying low intermittent suction, increasing the feeding rate, or requesting a higher-fat formula are not appropriate actions for addressing the reported symptoms and may exacerbate the client's discomfort or lead to further complications.

5. The nurse understands that malnutrition is a prevalent issue among hospitalized individuals. What is it commonly associated with?

• A. Decreased health care expenses
• B. Elevated blood pressure
• C. Decreased mortality rates
• D. A compromised immune system

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Malnutrition is often associated with a weakened immune system. This is because when the body is not sufficiently nourished, it lacks the necessary nutrients to maintain a well-functioning immune system, making patients more vulnerable to infections and other health complications. This can potentially increase mortality rates and prolong hospital stays, contrary to choice C. Choices A and B are incorrect as malnutrition does not lead to decreased health care costs or high blood pressure. In fact, it may increase health care costs due to the potential for increased complications and extended hospital stays.

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