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. Individual nutrients are characterized by their ability to:

• A. work independently.
• B. fulfill specific metabolic roles.
• C. influence weight loss.
• D. improve mental status.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'fulfill specific metabolic roles.' Nutrients play essential roles in specific metabolic processes in the body such as energy production, tissue repair, and growth. Choice A, 'work independently,' is incorrect as nutrients often work synergistically rather than alone. Choice C, 'influence weight loss,' is incorrect as while some nutrients may support weight loss indirectly through metabolic processes, it is not their primary characteristic. Choice D, 'improve mental status,' is also incorrect as while some nutrients are important for brain health, their primary role is not specifically to improve mental status.

3. What are the small, fingerlike projections into the intestinal lumen called?

• A. Villi
• B. Goblets
• C. Lacteals
• D. Polyps

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Villi. Villi are small fingerlike projections in the intestine that increase the surface area for nutrient absorption. Goblets (choice B) are mucus-secreting cells in the intestines. Lacteals (choice C) are lymphatic vessels in the small intestine that absorb dietary fats. Polyps (choice D) are abnormal tissue growths.

4. Signs of malnutrition can appear when:

• A. nutrient reserves are depleted.
• B. nutrient intake exceeds daily needs.
• C. energy intake is restricted.
• D. caloric expenditure increases.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'nutrient reserves are depleted.' Signs of malnutrition manifest when the body's reserves of essential nutrients are exhausted and can no longer sustain health. Choice B is incorrect because excessive nutrient intake exceeding daily needs does not lead to malnutrition but may cause other health issues. Choice C is incorrect as restricting energy intake may lead to weight loss but not necessarily malnutrition. Choice D is also incorrect as increasing caloric expenditure does not directly cause malnutrition.

5. 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.

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