Nursing Elites

1. Which vitamin's recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is significantly increased during pregnancy?

• A. Folate
• B. Thiamine (B1)
• C. Riboflavin (B2)
• D. Niacin (B3)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Folate. During pregnancy, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for folate is significantly increased to support fetal development and prevent neural tube defects and other congenital anomalies. Folate plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis and cell growth, making it essential for the rapidly dividing cells of the developing fetus. Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), and Niacin (B3) are important vitamins, but their RDAs do not undergo as significant an increase during pregnancy as folate's RDA does.

2. How many calories are contained in a food that has 15 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of protein, and 10 grams of fat?

• A. 106
• B. 124
• C. 166
• D. 202

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To calculate the total calories in a food item, you can use the following conversions: every 1 gram of carbohydrate provides 4 calories, 1 gram of protein provides 4 calories, and 1 gram of fat provides 9 calories. Therefore, for this food item, multiply 15 grams of carbohydrates by 4 calories/gram, 4 grams of protein by 4 calories/gram, and 10 grams of fat by 9 calories/gram. The calculation would be (15 * 4) + (4 * 4) + (10 * 9) = 60 + 16 + 90 = 166 calories. Choice A (106) is incorrect because it does not consider the calories from fat. Choice B (124) is incorrect as it underestimates the calories by not including all macronutrients. Choice D (202) is incorrect as it overestimates the calories by adding up the values incorrectly.

3. Each of the following accurately describes aspects of the dietary reference intakes (DRIs) published by the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) except one. Which one is the exception?

• A. The DRIs replace the older recommended daily allowances.
• B. Current DRIs attempt to estimate required nutrients to improve long-term health.
• C. DRIs specifically address individuals whose requirements are affected by a disease state.
• D. The DRIs attempt to establish maximum safe levels of tolerance for nutrients.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. DRIs do not specifically address individuals with disease states; they are intended for the general healthy population. Choice A is correct because DRIs indeed replace the older recommended daily allowances. Choice B is correct as current DRIs aim to estimate required nutrients to enhance long-term health. Choice D is accurate as DRIs also attempt to establish maximum safe levels of tolerance for nutrients.

4. Which of the following has the greatest effect on an increase in body weight?

• A. Carbohydrate intake
• B. Protein intake
• C. Fat intake
• D. Total kilocalories

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Total kilocalories have the greatest effect on body weight as they represent the overall energy intake from all macronutrients combined. While the consumption of specific macronutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats can affect weight management, the total calories consumed play the most significant role in determining body weight. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they focus on individual macronutrients rather than the overall energy balance provided by total kilocalories.

5. Each statement is true of proteins, except one. Which is the exception?

• A. Proteins are composed of building blocks called amino acids
• B. The classification of the 20 common amino acids is based on the properties of their side chains
• C. The general structure of an amino acid varies considerably
• D. Amino acids polymerize to form long chains called polypeptides

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The classification of the 20 common amino acids is not based on the properties of their side chains, but rather on the structure of their amino and carboxyl groups. These groups are consistent among all amino acids, while the side chains, also known as R groups, are what vary and give each amino acid its unique properties. Choice A is correct because proteins are indeed composed of amino acids. Choice C is incorrect because while the side chains of amino acids can vary, the general structure of an amino acid - a central carbon atom bonded to an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a side chain - is consistent. Choice D is correct because amino acids do polymerize to form long chains called polypeptides, which can then fold into complex shapes to form proteins.

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