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. Amino acids that can be synthesized by the body in sufficient amounts are known as:

• A. indispensable.
• B. dispensable.
• C. simple.
• D. complex.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, 'dispensable.' Dispensable amino acids are those that the body can synthesize in sufficient amounts, so they are not required to be obtained from the diet. Indispensable amino acids, on the other hand, are essential and must be obtained from the diet because the body cannot produce them in sufficient quantities. Choices C and D, 'simple' and 'complex,' are incorrect as they do not accurately describe amino acids in terms of synthesis by the body.

3. Which hormone is responsible for stimulating the gallbladder to contract and release bile?

• A. gastric lipase
• B. cholecystokinin
• C. vitamin D
• D. enterokinin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cholecystokinin (CCK) is the correct answer. It is the hormone responsible for stimulating the gallbladder to contract and release bile to aid in fat digestion. Gastric lipase (Choice A) is an enzyme that breaks down fats in the stomach, not a hormone involved in gallbladder function. Vitamin D (Choice C) is important for calcium absorption and bone health, but it is not directly related to gallbladder function. Enterokinin (Choice D) is a peptide hormone that affects smooth muscle contractions in the gastrointestinal tract, but it is not specifically responsible for stimulating the gallbladder to release bile.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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