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. Individuals with optimal nutritional status differ from those with marginal nutritional status in their:

• A. nutrient reserves.
• B. clinical signs.
• C. body weight.
• D. risk of mental illness.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Individuals with optimal nutritional status differ from those with marginal nutritional status in their nutrient reserves. Optimal nutritional status implies having adequate nutrient reserves, which is lacking in marginal status. Clinical signs (choice B) may or may not be present in both groups and are not the differentiating factor between optimal and marginal statuses. Body weight (choice C) can vary for reasons other than nutritional status. The risk of mental illness (choice D) is not directly related to the comparison between optimal and marginal nutritional status.

3. What is the primary function of carbohydrates as a food source?

• A. Regulate metabolic processes.
• B. Build body tissue.
• C. Supply energy.
• D. Provide bulk.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary function of carbohydrates as a food source is to supply energy. Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy, providing fuel for various physiological functions. Choice A is incorrect because carbohydrates do not primarily regulate metabolic processes; that role is mainly attributed to enzymes and hormones. Choice B is incorrect because proteins are primarily responsible for building body tissue. Choice D is incorrect because fiber, not all carbohydrates, provides bulk in the diet.

4. What role do the amino acids methionine, tyrosine, and tryptophan play?

• A. Forming neurotransmitters.
• B. Blocking excess protein breakdown.
• C. Increasing production of insulin and thyroxine.
• D. Decreasing energy expenditure.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Forming neurotransmitters. Methionine, tyrosine, and tryptophan are important amino acids involved in the production of neurotransmitters in the body. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across nerve cells, influencing various functions such as mood, memory, and muscle control. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because these amino acids do not primarily play a role in blocking protein breakdown, increasing insulin and thyroxine production, or decreasing energy expenditure.

5. The body of scientific knowledge related to nutritional requirements for human growth, maintenance, activity, and reproduction is known as:

• A. physiology.
• B. nutrition science.
• C. biochemistry.
• D. dietetics.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: nutrition science. Nutrition science specifically focuses on studying the requirements and functions of nutrients in relation to human growth, maintenance, activity, and reproduction. Choice A, physiology, deals more with the functions of living organisms and their parts, not specifically related to nutrients. Choice C, biochemistry, focuses on the chemical processes and substances that occur within living organisms, not specifically centered on nutritional requirements. Choice D, dietetics, involves the application of nutritional knowledge in planning and managing diets for individuals, but it is more focused on the practical aspect rather than the broader scientific study of nutritional requirements.

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