Nursing Elites

1. With respect to its effect on colon microflora, fiber is considered a:

• A. prebiotic.
• B. probiotic.
• C. functional food.
• D. protective agent.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: prebiotic. Fiber acts as a prebiotic by providing a food source for beneficial bacteria in the colon, promoting their growth and activity. This helps maintain a healthy balance of microflora in the gut. Choice B, probiotic, is incorrect as fiber itself does not contain live beneficial bacteria but rather supports their growth. Choice C, functional food, is too broad and doesn't specifically address fiber's role in promoting beneficial bacteria. Choice D, protective agent, is vague and does not directly relate to fiber's specific function in colon microflora.

2. Proteins from plant sources such as grains, nuts, and legumes are classified as:

• A. incomplete.
• B. complete.
• C. indispensable.
• D. dispensable.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'incomplete.' Proteins from plant sources like grains, nuts, and legumes are considered incomplete because they often lack one or more essential amino acids required by the body. Choice B, 'complete,' is incorrect because complete proteins contain all essential amino acids in adequate amounts. Choice C, 'indispensable,' is incorrect as it refers to essential amino acids rather than the classification of plant proteins. Choice D, 'dispensable,' is also incorrect as it implies that these proteins are not necessary, which is not the case.

3. Which nutrient has a protein-sparing effect?

• A. Glycerol
• B. Carbohydrate
• C. Nitrogen
• D. Fatty acids

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Carbohydrates have a protein-sparing effect, meaning that adequate carbohydrate intake can prevent the use of protein for energy. Glycerol, nitrogen, and fatty acids do not have a protein-sparing effect. Glycerol is a component of fats and oils, nitrogen is a component of proteins, and fatty acids are used primarily as an energy source.

4. One characteristic of an essential fatty acid is that it:

• A. comes from a plant source.
• B. comes from an animal source.
• C. is not manufactured by the body.
• D. is manufactured by the body.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because essential fatty acids are not manufactured by the body and must be obtained through the diet. Choice A is incorrect because essential fatty acids can come from plant sources as well. Choice B is incorrect as essential fatty acids are primarily derived from plant sources. Choice D is incorrect because essential fatty acids cannot be produced by the body. Therefore, the only accurate statement is that essential fatty acids are not manufactured by the body.

5. Which of the following types of fiber is not a carbohydrate?

• A. gums
• B. lignin
• C. pectin
• D. cellulose

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Lignin is the correct answer because it is a type of fiber that is not a carbohydrate and provides structure to plant cell walls. Gums (choice A), pectin (choice C), and cellulose (choice D) are all types of dietary fiber that are carbohydrates. Gums are a type of soluble fiber, pectin is found in fruits and is a soluble fiber, and cellulose is a type of insoluble fiber found in plant cell walls.

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