Nursing Elites

1. A chemical feature that distinguishes a saturated fatty acid from an unsaturated fatty acid is the:

• A. arrangement of carbon atoms.
• B. number of oxygen molecules.
• C. number of double bonds.
• D. food source.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds. Therefore, the number of double bonds is the chemical feature that distinguishes a saturated fatty acid from an unsaturated fatty acid. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the distinguishing factor between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids lies in the presence or absence of double bonds, not in the arrangement of carbon atoms, number of oxygen molecules, or food source.

2. 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.

3. What is the chemical structure that forms the base component of an amino acid?

• A. carboxyl group
• B. carbon chain
• C. radicals
• D. amino group

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is the amino group. Amino acids consist of an amino group (NH2), a carboxyl group (COOH), a hydrogen atom, and a variable side chain attached to a central carbon atom. The amino group is essential for the formation of proteins. The carboxyl group is not the base component but another important functional group in amino acids. Carbon chain and radicals are not specific chemical structures that form the base component of an amino acid.

4. Infections are common in people who have inadequate protein intake because of an insufficient quantity of:

• A. insulin.
• B. lipoprotein.
• C. antibodies.
• D. albumin.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Inadequate protein intake can lead to a decrease in antibody production, making individuals more susceptible to infections. Insulin (Choice A) is a hormone involved in regulating blood sugar levels, not related to protein intake. Lipoprotein (Choice B) is a type of lipid-protein complex involved in lipid transport, not directly related to antibody production. Albumin (Choice D) is a protein that helps maintain oncotic pressure and carries various substances in the blood, but it is not primarily responsible for fighting infections like antibodies.

5. How can cholesterol absorption be decreased?

• A. Vitamin K.
• B. Plant sterols.
• C. Trans fats.
• D. Phospholipids.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Plant sterols. Plant sterols can reduce cholesterol absorption by competing with cholesterol for absorption sites. Vitamin K, choice A, does not have a significant impact on cholesterol absorption. Trans fats, choice C, are known to increase cholesterol levels rather than decrease absorption. Phospholipids, choice D, play a role in cell structure and are not directly involved in reducing cholesterol absorption.

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