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 an analysis of the amino acid composition of foods, the amino acid occurring in the smallest amount is called:

• A. indispensable.
• B. dispensable.
• C. complementary.
• D. limiting.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'limiting.' In the analysis of the amino acid composition of foods, the amino acid that occurs in the smallest amount is referred to as the limiting amino acid. This term is used because when one essential amino acid is deficient, it limits the synthesis of proteins, making it crucial in determining protein quality. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. 'Indispensable' and 'dispensable' refer to the essentiality of amino acids, and 'complementary' does not describe the concept of the amino acid occurring in the smallest amount.

3. The type of protein-energy malnutrition that results in edema, hypoalbuminemia, skin lesions, and fatty liver is:

• A. cachexia.
• B. marasmus.
• C. kwashiorkor.
• D. sarcopenia.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, kwashiorkor. Kwashiorkor is a type of protein-energy malnutrition characterized by edema, hypoalbuminemia, skin lesions, and fatty liver. Edema is a key feature of kwashiorkor due to hypoalbuminemia, which leads to decreased oncotic pressure. Marasmus (choice B) is a form of severe malnutrition characterized by energy deficiency without significant protein deficiency, resulting in severe wasting. Cachexia (choice A) is a syndrome characterized by weight loss, muscle atrophy, fatigue, weakness, and loss of appetite in someone who is not actively trying to lose weight. Sarcopenia (choice D) is the age-related loss of muscle mass and function.

4. Carbohydrates are composed of a combination of carbon, hydrogen, and which other element?

• A. oxygen.
• B. nitrogen.
• C. water.
• D. glucose.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Carbohydrates are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. These three elements combine to form the basic structure of carbohydrates. Oxygen is an essential element in carbohydrates, contributing to their chemical composition. Choice B (nitrogen) is incorrect as nitrogen is not a typical component of carbohydrates. Choice C (water) is incorrect as water is not an element but a compound composed of hydrogen and oxygen. Choice D (glucose) is incorrect as glucose is a specific type of sugar, not an element found in the composition of carbohydrates.

5. People with phenylketonuria should avoid foods made with which nonnutritive sweetener?

• A. acesulfame-K
• B. aspartame
• C. saccharin
• D. sucralose

Correct answer: B

Rationale: People with phenylketonuria should avoid aspartame because it contains phenylalanine, which they cannot metabolize. Acesulfame-K, saccharin, and sucralose do not contain phenylalanine and are safe for individuals with phenylketonuria. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Acesulfame-K, saccharin, and sucralose are incorrect choices because they do not pose a risk for individuals with phenylketonuria due to the absence of phenylalanine in their composition.

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