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. What substance acts as an emulsifier and helps absorb digested fat?

• A. bile
• B. trypsin
• C. lipase
• D. cholecystokinin (CCK)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: bile. Bile acts as an emulsifier, breaking down fats into smaller droplets to aid in digestion and absorption. Trypsin is a digestive enzyme that acts on proteins, not fats. Lipase is an enzyme that breaks down fats, but it doesn't act as an emulsifier. Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a hormone that stimulates the release of digestive enzymes, including lipase, but it is not directly involved in emulsification.

3. What is the cause of gas formation in the colon?

• A. Consuming refined foods.
• B. Drinking excess water.
• C. Swallowing air while eating.
• D. Bacterial action on organic compounds.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Gas formation in the colon is primarily due to bacterial fermentation of undigested carbohydrates. Choice A, consuming refined foods, is incorrect as gas formation is not directly linked to refined foods but rather undigested carbohydrates. Choice B, drinking excess water, is incorrect as water consumption does not lead to gas formation in the colon. Choice C, swallowing air while eating, is incorrect as this may cause belching but not gas formation in the colon. The correct answer is D because bacterial action on organic compounds, specifically undigested carbohydrates, leads to gas production in the colon.

4. The Dietary Guidelines are published and revised by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in association with the:

• A. Department of Health and Human Services.
• B. National Institutes of Health.
• C. National Academy of Sciences.
• D. Food and Nutrition Board.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The U.S. Department of Agriculture collaborates with the Department of Health and Human Services to publish and revise the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This collaboration ensures that the guidelines encompass both agricultural and health aspects. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are not directly involved in the publication and revision of the Dietary Guidelines. The National Institutes of Health focuses on medical research, the National Academy of Sciences provides independent scientific advice, and the Food and Nutrition Board is a part of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

5. 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.

Similar Questions