Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. Signs of malnutrition can appear when:

• A. nutrient reserves are depleted.
• B. nutrient intake exceeds daily needs.
• C. energy intake is restricted.
• D. caloric expenditure increases.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'nutrient reserves are depleted.' Signs of malnutrition manifest when the body's reserves of essential nutrients are exhausted and can no longer sustain health. Choice B is incorrect because excessive nutrient intake exceeding daily needs does not lead to malnutrition but may cause other health issues. Choice C is incorrect as restricting energy intake may lead to weight loss but not necessarily malnutrition. Choice D is also incorrect as increasing caloric expenditure does not directly cause malnutrition.

3. Which enzyme is secreted by the salivary glands?

• A. Pepsin.
• B. Trypsin.
• C. Sucrase.
• D. Amylase.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, amylase. Amylase is an enzyme produced by the salivary glands that initiates the digestion of carbohydrates in the mouth. Pepsin (choice A) is produced in the stomach to digest proteins, trypsin (choice B) is produced in the pancreas to digest proteins, and sucrase (choice C) is produced in the small intestine to break down sucrose. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect in the context of an enzyme secreted by the salivary glands.

4. Which monosaccharide only occurs naturally in foods in combination with another sugar as a disaccharide?

• A. Fructose.
• B. Galactose.
• C. Sucrose.
• D. Maltose.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, galactose. Galactose naturally occurs in foods only when it is combined with glucose to form lactose, a disaccharide found in milk. Fructose is a monosaccharide found in fruits and honey. Sucrose is a disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose, commonly known as table sugar. Maltose is a disaccharide formed by the combination of two glucose molecules.

5. What substance acts as an emulsifier and helps absorb digested fat?

• A. bile
• B. trypsin
• C. lipase
• D. cholecystokinin (CCK)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: bile. Bile acts as an emulsifier, breaking down fats into smaller droplets to aid in digestion and absorption. Trypsin is a digestive enzyme that acts on proteins, not fats. Lipase is an enzyme that breaks down fats, but it doesn't act as an emulsifier. Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a hormone that stimulates the release of digestive enzymes, including lipase, but it is not directly involved in emulsification.

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