Nursing Elites

1. A physical science that contributes to understanding how nutrition relates to health and well-being is:

• A. anatomy
• B. biochemistry
• C. physics
• D. pharmacology

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Biochemistry is the correct answer because it focuses on understanding the chemical processes related to nutrition and how nutrients affect the body. Anatomy (choice A) primarily deals with the structure of organisms, not the chemical processes of nutrition. Physics (choice C) deals with energy and matter, not specifically related to nutrition. Pharmacology (choice D) focuses on drugs and their interactions with the body, not directly related to nutrition and its effects on health.

2. What is the term for the action of biting, chewing, and breaking up ingested food into smaller particles?

• A. Peristalsis.
• B. Segmentation.
• C. Metabolism.
• D. Mastication.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Mastication.' Mastication is the mechanical process of chewing that breaks down food into smaller particles. Peristalsis (choice A) is the involuntary constriction and relaxation of muscles in the gastrointestinal tract that moves food along. Segmentation (choice B) is the mixing movement of the digestive system that helps to break down food and mix it with digestive juices. Metabolism (choice C) refers to the chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life.

3. Pepsinogen secreted by the gastric cells is converted into pepsin by:

• A. enterokinase
• B. hydrochloric acid
• C. gastric lipase
• D. pancreatic lipase

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pepsinogen is converted into its active form, pepsin, by hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Hydrochloric acid helps in unfolding the pepsinogen molecule to transform it into pepsin, which is crucial for protein digestion. Therefore, the correct answer is hydrochloric acid (choice B). Enterokinase (choice A) is an enzyme produced in the small intestine that activates trypsinogen into trypsin, not pepsinogen. Gastric lipase (choice C) is an enzyme that digests fats, not involved in converting pepsinogen to pepsin. Pancreatic lipase (choice D) is an enzyme produced by the pancreas that aids in breaking down fats in the small intestine, not part of the process of pepsin activation.

4. The rate of gastric emptying depends on the:

• A. time of day food is consumed.
• B. composition of food consumed.
• C. rate of food consumption.
• D. frequency of eating.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The rate at which the stomach empties its contents is primarily determined by the composition of the food consumed. Foods high in fat and protein tend to slow down gastric emptying, while foods high in carbohydrates usually pass through more quickly. Therefore, the composition of food consumed directly impacts the rate of gastric emptying. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not directly affect the rate of gastric emptying.

5. What is the primary function of protein in the body?

• A. Provide energy.
• B. Regulate metabolic processes.
• C. Control muscle contractions.
• D. Build tissue.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The primary function of protein in the body is to build and repair tissues. Proteins are crucial for growth, maintenance, and repair of body tissues, including muscles, organs, and skin. While proteins can be a source of energy, their primary role is not to supply energy. Regulating metabolic processes and controlling muscle contractions are functions typically attributed to other nutrients and compounds in the body, such as vitamins and minerals.

Similar Questions