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. 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.

3. In which health problem is protein catabolism increased?

• A. severe burns
• B. severe obesity
• C. hypothyroidism
• D. food allergies

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Protein catabolism increases in conditions like severe burns because the body breaks down muscle protein to provide energy for healing. Severe obesity does not necessarily increase protein catabolism; instead, it is more related to excessive fat accumulation. Hypothyroidism may lead to a decrease in metabolic rate but does not directly increase protein catabolism. Food allergies trigger an immune response to specific foods but do not directly impact protein catabolism.

4. Which condition may benefit from branched chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, and valine)?

• A. cancer-related malnutrition
• B. marasmus
• C. cardiovascular disease
• D. severe depression

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Branched chain amino acids, such as leucine, isoleucine, and valine, are essential in preventing muscle breakdown. Therefore, they may be particularly important for a patient with cancer-related malnutrition, where maintaining muscle mass is crucial. Marasmus is a severe form of malnutrition characterized by energy deficiency, not specifically related to cancer. Cardiovascular disease and severe depression do not have a direct correlation with the need for branched chain amino acids to prevent muscle breakdown.

5. The process of photosynthesis is responsible for the synthesis of:

• A. carbohydrates.
• B. proteins.
• C. fats.
• D. vitamins.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: carbohydrates. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy stored in glucose (a type of carbohydrate). This glucose is used by the organisms for energy production and as a building block for other organic compounds. Choice B, proteins, is incorrect because proteins are synthesized through a different process involving amino acids. Choice C, fats, are not directly synthesized through photosynthesis; they are typically formed from excess carbohydrates. Choice D, vitamins, are organic compounds that are required in small amounts for various physiological functions but are not directly synthesized through photosynthesis.

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