Nursing Elites

1. How many amino acids are essential?

• A. 5
• B. 7
• C. 9
• D. 13

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 9. There are 9 essential amino acids that the body cannot synthesize and must be obtained through the diet. These 9 amino acids are histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the correct number of essential amino acids.

2. You are a researcher testing out the effects of a new food molecule—MEGA—on bone health. In order to know if it actually travels to bone cells in the body, you first need to find out if it gets absorbed in the bloodstream. You eat a food containing MEGA, and you measure the molecule in your urine and feces. You only detect MEGA in the feces. Was MEGA absorbed?

• A. No—absorbed compounds show up in urine, not feces
• B. Yes—absorbed compounds show up in feces, not urine
• C.
• D.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: If MEGA was only detected in feces and not in urine, it was not absorbed into the bloodstream. Absorbed compounds typically appear in urine after processing by the body. The correct answer is A because the presence of a compound in feces indicates that it was not absorbed by the body and passed through the digestive system. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the process of absorption and excretion in the body.

3. A client with a history of pancreatitis is being taught by a nurse. Which of the following food choices should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?

• A. Noodles
• B. Vegetable Soup
• C. Baked Fish
• D. Cheddar cheese

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Patients with pancreatitis should avoid high-fat foods like cheddar cheese as they can exacerbate symptoms due to the organ's role in fat digestion. Noodles, vegetable soup, and baked fish are generally considered to be lower in fat content and are thus safer choices for individuals with pancreatitis.

4. Which statement about essential nutrients should the nurse include?

• A. Fat-containing foods can help to decrease triglyceride levels.
• B. Animal sources of protein contain 20 essential amino acids.
• C. Carbohydrates are the primary source of fuel for muscles and the brain.
• D. High-fiber foods are a good source of energy.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because carbohydrates are indeed the primary source of fuel for muscles and the brain. Choice A is incorrect because while certain fats are essential, they do not help decrease triglyceride levels. Choice B is incorrect because animal sources of protein do not contain all 20 essential amino acids. Choice D is incorrect because although high-fiber foods are important for digestion and overall health, they are not a direct source of energy.

5. The nurse understands that malnutrition is a prevalent issue among hospitalized individuals. What is it commonly associated with?

• A. Decreased health care expenses
• B. Elevated blood pressure
• C. Decreased mortality rates
• D. A compromised immune system

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Malnutrition is often associated with a weakened immune system. This is because when the body is not sufficiently nourished, it lacks the necessary nutrients to maintain a well-functioning immune system, making patients more vulnerable to infections and other health complications. This can potentially increase mortality rates and prolong hospital stays, contrary to choice C. Choices A and B are incorrect as malnutrition does not lead to decreased health care costs or high blood pressure. In fact, it may increase health care costs due to the potential for increased complications and extended hospital stays.

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