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. In addition to calcium, the major minerals needed to build and maintain bone tissue include:

• A. potassium
• B. iron
• C. phosphorus
• D. fluoride

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: phosphorus. Phosphorus, along with calcium, is essential for bone health and maintenance. Potassium (choice A) is important for muscle function, iron (choice B) is crucial for red blood cell production, and fluoride (choice D) helps prevent tooth decay but is not a major mineral needed for bone tissue.

3. A chemical feature that distinguishes a saturated fatty acid from an unsaturated fatty acid is the:

• A. arrangement of carbon atoms.
• B. number of oxygen molecules.
• C. number of double bonds.
• D. food source.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds. Therefore, the number of double bonds is the chemical feature that distinguishes a saturated fatty acid from an unsaturated fatty acid. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the distinguishing factor between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids lies in the presence or absence of double bonds, not in the arrangement of carbon atoms, number of oxygen molecules, or food source.

4. Which enzyme is produced by the parotid gland?

• A. Salivary amylase
• B. Sucrase
• C. Maltase
• D. Lactase

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Salivary amylase. Salivary amylase is an enzyme produced by the parotid gland that initiates starch digestion in the mouth. It helps break down starch into maltose, a simpler sugar. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because sucrase, maltase, and lactase are enzymes involved in the digestion of disaccharides like sucrose, maltose, and lactose, respectively, in the small intestine, not in the saliva.

5. 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.

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