people who regularly take prescription drugs such as steroids and diuretics are at risk for a deficiency of

ATI RN

ATI Nutrition Practice A

1. Which nutrient deficiency are people who regularly take prescription drugs such as steroids and diuretics at risk for?

A. Potassium
B. Selenium
C. Iodine
D. Chloride

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Regular intake of prescription drugs like steroids and diuretics can lead to the loss of potassium in the body, causing a condition known as hypokalemia. Therefore, people on these medications require careful monitoring and often need potassium supplementation to prevent this deficiency. The other options, selenium, iodine, and chloride, are incorrect because there is no specific link between their deficiency and the regular use of steroids and diuretics.

2. What is the primary function of antioxidants in the diet?

A. Provide energy
B. Support muscle growth
C. Neutralize free radicals
D. Increase blood sugar

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary function of antioxidants in the diet is to neutralize free radicals. Free radicals can cause cellular damage, leading to various chronic diseases. Antioxidants help combat this oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because antioxidants do not provide energy, support muscle growth, or increase blood sugar; their main role is in combating oxidative stress.

3. What activities best describe the work of the placenta during pregnancy?

A. surrounding and cushioning the fetus
B. combining maternal and fetal blood stores to exchange nutrients
C. producing hormones that maintain the pregnancy
D. absorbing vitamins and minerals that can be transferred to the fetus

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The placenta plays a crucial role in producing hormones that are necessary for maintaining pregnancy, supporting fetal development, and preparing the mother's body for childbirth. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the placenta's primary function is not to surround and cushion the fetus, combine blood stores for nutrient exchange, or absorb vitamins and minerals. While the placenta does facilitate the exchange of nutrients and oxygen between the mother and fetus, its hormone production is the most critical function during pregnancy.

4. What should Mrs. Smith do to increase her HDL levels, as advised by the nurse?

A. Monitor her blood glucose levels
B. Quit smoking
C. Control her blood pressure
D. Take fish oil supplements

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Quit smoking.' Smoking has been shown to lower HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) levels, and quitting can help to improve these levels. HDL is often referred to as 'good cholesterol' because it helps to remove other forms of cholesterol from the bloodstream, reducing the risk of heart disease. While monitoring blood glucose levels, controlling blood pressure, and taking fish oil supplements can contribute to overall health and wellbeing, they do not directly increase HDL levels in the same way that quitting smoking does. Therefore, quitting smoking is the most effective way for Mrs. Smith to increase her HDL levels as advised by the nurse.

5. Glucagon is a hormone released into the bloodstream in response to high blood sugar. It helps to lower blood glucose after a meal.

A. TRUE
B. FALSE
C.
D.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Glucagon is released in response to low blood sugar and raises blood glucose levels by stimulating the release of glucose from liver stores, not lowering it.