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. Dietary guidelines are most useful for:

• A. limiting portion sizes.
• B. designing a personal food plan.
• C. making smart food choices.
• D. avoiding excessive nutrient intakes.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Dietary guidelines are designed to assist individuals in making smart food choices by providing recommendations on what to eat to maintain good health. While portion sizes may be a part of these guidelines, they are not the primary focus. Designing a personal food plan involves individual preferences and needs, which may go beyond general guidelines. Avoiding excessive nutrient intakes is important, but dietary guidelines aim to provide balanced recommendations rather than just focusing on avoiding excess.

3. Which condition may benefit from branched chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, and valine)?

• A. cancer-related malnutrition
• B. marasmus
• C. cardiovascular disease
• D. severe depression

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Branched chain amino acids, such as leucine, isoleucine, and valine, are essential in preventing muscle breakdown. Therefore, they may be particularly important for a patient with cancer-related malnutrition, where maintaining muscle mass is crucial. Marasmus is a severe form of malnutrition characterized by energy deficiency, not specifically related to cancer. Cardiovascular disease and severe depression do not have a direct correlation with the need for branched chain amino acids to prevent muscle breakdown.

4. What is the recommended dietary intake of protein for adults?

• A. 0.5 g/kg.
• B. 0.8 g/kg.
• C. 1.0 g/kg.
• D. 1.5 g/kg.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The recommended dietary intake of protein for adults is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. This amount is considered adequate for most healthy adults. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the generally recommended protein intake for adults.

5. The type of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) that develops when the diet lacks protein is called:

• A. kwashiorkor.
• B. marasmus.
• C. anemia.
• D. beriberi.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: kwashiorkor. Kwashiorkor is a form of protein-energy malnutrition that arises due to a protein-deficient diet. This condition leads to symptoms such as edema, skin lesions, and fatty liver. Choice B, marasmus, is a form of PEM caused by overall malnutrition (protein and calorie deficiency), resulting in severe wasting and muscle loss. Choice C, anemia, is a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, not specifically related to protein deficiency. Choice D, beriberi, is a disease caused by thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency, not a form of PEM related to protein deficiency.

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