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. Mucus is produced by the salivary glands and the:

• A. intestinal glands.
• B. esophageal glands.
• C. pineal gland.
• D. islets of Langerhans.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Mucus is produced by the salivary glands to moisten food and aid in swallowing. Additionally, the intestinal glands secrete mucus to protect the lining of the intestines. The other choices, esophageal glands, pineal gland, and islets of Langerhans, are not involved in the production of mucus in the digestive system.

3. In addition to calcium, the major minerals needed to build and maintain bone tissue include:

• A. potassium
• B. iron
• C. phosphorus
• D. fluoride

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: phosphorus. Phosphorus, along with calcium, is essential for bone health and maintenance. Potassium (choice A) is important for muscle function, iron (choice B) is crucial for red blood cell production, and fluoride (choice D) helps prevent tooth decay but is not a major mineral needed for bone tissue.

4. During the process of deamination, the nitrogen portion of amino acids is converted to:

• A. ammonia.
• B. protein.
• C. purines.
• D. glycogen.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During the process of deamination, the nitrogen portion of amino acids is converted to ammonia. This occurs in the liver as part of the process to remove excess nitrogen from the body. Choice B, 'protein,' is incorrect as deamination breaks down amino acids rather than synthesizing proteins. Choice C, 'purines,' is incorrect as purines are a type of nitrogenous base found in DNA and RNA, not a product of deamination. Choice D, 'glycogen,' is incorrect as glycogen is a storage form of glucose and not a product of amino acid deamination.

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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