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. How is resistant starch digested in the colon?

• A. bacterial fermentation.
• B. pancreatic amylase.
• C. hydrochloric acid.
• D. villi and microvilli.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the colon, resistant starch is digested by bacterial fermentation. The correct answer is A. During this process, short-chain fatty acids are produced. Pancreatic amylase, as mentioned in choice B, is responsible for breaking down starch in the small intestine, not in the colon. Choice C, hydrochloric acid, functions in the stomach to aid in the digestion of proteins, not starch. Villi and microvilli, as stated in choice D, are structures in the small intestine that absorb nutrients; they do not participate in the digestion of resistant starch in the colon.

3. What does the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) represent?

• A. a replacement for Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs).
• B. a safe level of intake for people of all ages.
• C. a potentially toxic level of intake of a nutrient.
• D. the highest amount of a nutrient that can be safely consumed.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) represents the highest amount of a nutrient that can be safely consumed without causing adverse health effects. It is not a replacement for Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) (choice A) which are nutrient intake recommendations. While the UL is established to prevent toxicity, it is not a completely safe level for people of all ages (choice B). It is also not a potentially toxic level of intake of a nutrient (choice C), but rather the level that is unlikely to cause adverse health effects.

4. Which age group is particularly vulnerable to malnutrition?

• A. Infants
• B. Teenagers
• C. Young adults
• D. Middle-aged adults

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Infants are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition due to their high growth rate and specific nutrient requirements. During the first year of life, infants experience rapid growth and development, requiring essential nutrients for proper physical and cognitive development. Teenagers, young adults, and middle-aged adults have more stable nutritional needs compared to infants, making them less vulnerable to malnutrition. Therefore, infants are the most susceptible age group when it comes to malnutrition.

5. Why are bacteria found in the colon important?

• A. synthesize important vitamins.
• B. complete the process of absorption.
• C. synthesize some minerals.
• D. finish the process of digestion.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Bacteria found in the colon are important because they synthesize important vitamins, such as vitamin K. This aids in the body's overall health and functioning. Choice B is incorrect because absorption primarily occurs in the small intestine, not the colon. Choice C is incorrect as the synthesis of minerals is not a primary function of colon bacteria. Choice D is incorrect as the digestion process mainly occurs in the stomach and small intestine.

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