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. Which of the following plasma proteins helps maintain fluid balance?

• A. Albumin
• B. Fibrinogen
• C. Hemoglobin
• D. Collagen

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Albumin is the correct answer. It is a plasma protein that helps maintain osmotic pressure, thereby playing a vital role in regulating fluid balance in the body. Fibrinogen is involved in blood clotting, not fluid balance. Hemoglobin is responsible for oxygen transport in red blood cells, not fluid balance. Collagen is a structural protein found in connective tissues, not directly involved in fluid balance.

3. What are probiotics?

• A. Indigestible carbohydrates that promote growth of health-promoting bacteria.
• B. Antibiotics that prevent growth of harmful bacteria.
• C. Nutritional supplements of health-promoting bacteria.
• D. Commercial fiber supplements that have a laxative effect.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Probiotics are live bacteria that are beneficial for gut health and are often taken as supplements. They are not indigestible carbohydrates (Choice A), antibiotics (Choice B), or commercial fiber supplements (Choice D). Probiotics contain live strains of good bacteria that help maintain a healthy balance in the gut microbiome.

4. A person with lactose intolerance should be most careful to limit their intake of:

• A. milk
• B. yogurt
• C. cheese
• D. corn syrup

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Individuals with lactose intolerance lack the enzyme lactase needed to break down lactose, the sugar in dairy products. Milk contains a high amount of lactose, making it crucial for those with lactose intolerance to limit their intake. Yogurt and cheese, on the other hand, have lower lactose content due to the fermentation process which reduces lactose levels, making them better tolerated by many with lactose intolerance. Corn syrup, although high in sugar, does not contain lactose and is unrelated to lactose intolerance. Therefore, the correct answer is 'milk' as it is a significant source of lactose, which can trigger symptoms in individuals with lactose intolerance.

5. Which mineral helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent dental caries?

• A. Calcium
• B. Phosphorus
• C. Fluoride
• D. Zinc

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral known for its ability to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent dental caries. While calcium (Choice A) is essential for strong bones and teeth, it is not specifically known for preventing dental caries. Phosphorus (Choice B) is crucial for bone health but is not directly associated with preventing dental caries. Zinc (Choice D) is not typically recognized for strengthening tooth enamel or preventing dental caries.

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