cariogenic foods and beverages are fermentable carbohydrates that can be metabolized by oral bacteria and reduce salivary ph below

ATI RN

ATI Nutrition Proctored Exam 2023

1. Cariogenic foods and beverages, which are fermentable carbohydrates that can be metabolized by oral bacteria, reduce salivary pH to what critical level?

A. 5
B. 5.5
C. 6
D. 6.5

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cariogenic foods and beverages lower the pH level in the mouth to below 5.5. This is a critical threshold, as it is the point at which enamel begins to demineralize, increasing the risk of dental caries. Therefore, options 'A', 'C', and 'D' are incorrect. Although a pH level of 5, as suggested by option 'A', would indeed lead to demineralization, it's not the threshold value. The pH levels suggested by options 'C' and 'D' (6 and 6.5, respectively) are higher than the critical value of 5.5, which means they would not initiate enamel demineralization and the subsequent risk of dental caries.

2. Medication for treating high blood cholesterol levels should not be used for most people unless:

A. The patient has at least three major risk factors for coronary heart disease
B. The patient has been experiencing symptoms of coronary heart disease for at least three months
C. The patient's medical insurance covers prescription drugs
D. Treatment with Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) alone is unsuccessful after three months

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is choice D because medication for high cholesterol is typically not considered unless Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC), which include diet and exercise, have not proven effective after a three-month period. This approach ensures that lifestyle modifications are given a fair chance to lower cholesterol levels before resorting to medication. Choice A is incorrect because the number of risk factors for coronary heart disease does not dictate when to begin medication; it is about the effectiveness of lifestyle changes. Choice B is incorrect as the duration of coronary heart disease symptoms does not determine when to start medication; the focus is on the response to TLC. Choice C is incorrect because the coverage of prescription drugs by the patient's insurance does not influence the medical decision to use medication for high cholesterol; it is based on medical necessity and effectiveness of prior interventions.

3. A nurse is planning care for a client who reports increasing difficulty swallowing food. Which of the following interventions should the nurse plan to take?

A. Turn on the client’s television during meals.
B. Place the client into a semi-reclining position for meals.
C. Encourage the client to rest prior to mealtimes.
D. Encourage the client to use a straw when drinking liquids.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to encourage the client to rest prior to mealtimes. This intervention can help reduce fatigue and improve the ability to swallow. Turning on the client’s television during meals (choice A) may distract the client but does not directly address the swallowing issue. Placing the client into a semi-reclining position for meals (choice B) can help with swallowing difficulties, but resting before meals is more beneficial. Encouraging the client to use a straw when drinking liquids (choice D) is not the priority intervention for swallowing difficulties in this scenario.

4. The principal cation in plasma and interstitial fluid is:

A. Sodium
B. Potassium
C. Calcium
D. Magnesium

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The principal cation in plasma and interstitial fluid is sodium. Sodium plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance and is the primary cation in extracellular fluids like plasma and interstitial fluid. Potassium is the primary cation within cells, not in extracellular fluids, making it an incorrect choice. Calcium and magnesium are essential minerals but are not the principal cations in plasma and interstitial fluid, so they are also incorrect choices.