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. Where does gluconeogenesis occur?

• A. Muscles.
• B. Pancreas.
• C. Liver.
• D. Spleen.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Gluconeogenesis mainly occurs in the liver. It is a process where glucose is synthesized from non-carbohydrate sources such as amino acids and glycerol. The liver is the primary site for gluconeogenesis due to the presence of key enzymes and substrates required for this process. Muscles do not play a significant role in gluconeogenesis, making choice A incorrect. The pancreas is involved in the regulation of blood sugar levels through insulin and glucagon but is not the primary site for gluconeogenesis, so choice B is incorrect. The spleen is not a major organ involved in glucose metabolism, making choice D incorrect.

3. How many kilocalories are provided by 15 grams of protein?

• A. 15
• B. 45
• C. 60
• D. 135

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Protein provides 4 kcal per gram. Therefore, 15 grams of protein will provide 15 grams x 4 kcal/gram = 60 kcal. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not consider the caloric value of protein correctly.

4. How can cholesterol absorption be decreased?

• A. Vitamin K.
• B. Plant sterols.
• C. Trans fats.
• D. Phospholipids.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Plant sterols. Plant sterols can reduce cholesterol absorption by competing with cholesterol for absorption sites. Vitamin K, choice A, does not have a significant impact on cholesterol absorption. Trans fats, choice C, are known to increase cholesterol levels rather than decrease absorption. Phospholipids, choice D, play a role in cell structure and are not directly involved in reducing cholesterol absorption.

5. Which tissue has the highest rate of protein turnover?

• A. Skin
• B. Intestinal mucosa
• C. Muscle
• D. Adipose tissue

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Intestinal mucosa. The intestinal mucosa has the highest rate of protein turnover due to its rapid cell renewal. The skin, muscle, and adipose tissue do not exhibit protein turnover rates as high as the intestinal mucosa. Skin cells turnover relatively slower compared to the rapid renewal of intestinal mucosa cells. Muscles have a moderate rate of protein turnover, while adipose tissue has a lower turnover rate compared to the other tissues mentioned.

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