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. 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.

3. What is the preferred fuel for the cells lining the colon?

• A. Short-chain fatty acids.
• B. Long-chain fatty acids.
• C. Amino acids.
• D. Glucose.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Short-chain fatty acids are the preferred fuel for the cells lining the colon. They provide energy and support gut health by serving as a fuel source for these cells. Long-chain fatty acids are not the preferred fuel for colon cells as they are harder to digest and absorb in this part of the digestive system. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and not the primary energy source for colon cells. Glucose is the main energy source for most cells in the body, but colon cells prefer short-chain fatty acids.

4. 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.

5. Where does the major portion of the chemical digestion of lipids occur?

• A. Mouth.
• B. Stomach.
• C. Small intestine.
• D. Large intestine.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Small intestine. The majority of lipid digestion occurs in the small intestine, where bile and pancreatic lipase are active. Lipids are broken down into fatty acids and glycerol in the small intestine. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the mouth and stomach play minor roles in lipid digestion, and the large intestine is mainly responsible for absorbing water and electrolytes from the indigestible food residues.

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