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. The interrelated network of nerves within the gastrointestinal wall that regulates its muscular action is known as the:

• A. gastric nerve plexus.
• B. biliary nerve plexus.
• C. intramural nerve plexus.
• D. intestinal nerve plexus.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C - intramural nerve plexus. This network of nerves regulates the muscular movements within the gastrointestinal wall. The gastric nerve plexus (choice A) specifically relates to the stomach, not the entire gastrointestinal tract. The biliary nerve plexus (choice B) is associated with the bile ducts and gallbladder, not the regulation of muscular action. The intestinal nerve plexus (choice D) is a general term that doesn't specifically refer to the network of nerves within the gastrointestinal wall.

3. What is the process by which proteins are synthesized from the available amino acids?

• A. Gluconeogenesis.
• B. Deamination.
• C. Protein synthesis.
• D. Transamination.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Protein synthesis. This process involves the formation of proteins from amino acids to support various body functions. Gluconeogenesis (choice A) is the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, not protein synthesis. Deamination (choice B) is the removal of an amino group from an amino acid, not the synthesis of proteins. Transamination (choice D) is the transfer of an amino group from one molecule to another, not the direct synthesis of proteins.

4. What is the main body storage form of carbohydrates?

• A. Glycogen.
• B. Starch.
• C. Fat.
• D. Glucose.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Glycogen. Glycogen is the stored form of carbohydrates in the body, primarily found in the liver and muscles. Starch (choice B) is a carbohydrate storage molecule in plants, not in the human body. Fat (choice C) is a different macronutrient and not the main storage form of carbohydrates. Glucose (choice D) is a simple sugar that serves as an energy source, not the main storage form of carbohydrates.

5. In addition to active transport, which process is involved in absorbing food in the small intestine?

• A. pinocytosis
• B. excretion
• C. phagocytosis
• D. electrochemical diffusion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is pinocytosis. Pinocytosis is a process where cells in the small intestine absorb nutrients by engulfing them. This process is different from phagocytosis, which involves engulfing large particles, and excretion, which is the removal of waste products. Electrochemical diffusion is not directly involved in the absorption of food in the small intestine.

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