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. The type of protein-energy malnutrition that results in edema, hypoalbuminemia, skin lesions, and fatty liver is:

• A. cachexia.
• B. marasmus.
• C. kwashiorkor.
• D. sarcopenia.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, kwashiorkor. Kwashiorkor is a type of protein-energy malnutrition characterized by edema, hypoalbuminemia, skin lesions, and fatty liver. Edema is a key feature of kwashiorkor due to hypoalbuminemia, which leads to decreased oncotic pressure. Marasmus (choice B) is a form of severe malnutrition characterized by energy deficiency without significant protein deficiency, resulting in severe wasting. Cachexia (choice A) is a syndrome characterized by weight loss, muscle atrophy, fatigue, weakness, and loss of appetite in someone who is not actively trying to lose weight. Sarcopenia (choice D) is the age-related loss of muscle mass and function.

3. What is the primary function of protein in the diet?

• A. supply energy.
• B. synthesize vitamins.
• C. build and repair tissue.
• D. store glycogen.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary function of protein in the diet is to build and repair tissues. Proteins are essential for the growth, maintenance, and repair of body tissues like muscles, skin, and organs. While proteins can be a source of energy, their primary role is not to supply energy, making choice A incorrect. Choice B is also incorrect as proteins do not synthesize vitamins; rather, they are essential nutrients themselves. Choice D is inaccurate because glycogen is a form of stored glucose in the body, not a function of protein.

4. What is the preferred fuel for the cells lining the colon?

• A. Short-chain fatty acids.
• B. Long-chain fatty acids.
• C. Amino acids.
• D. Glucose.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Short-chain fatty acids are the preferred fuel for the cells lining the colon. They provide energy and support gut health by serving as a fuel source for these cells. Long-chain fatty acids are not the preferred fuel for colon cells as they are harder to digest and absorb in this part of the digestive system. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and not the primary energy source for colon cells. Glucose is the main energy source for most cells in the body, but colon cells prefer short-chain fatty acids.

5. After absorption, the end products of carbohydrate and protein digestion enter the:

• A. enterohepatic circulation.
• B. gastrointestinal circulation.
• C. common bile duct.
• D. portal blood system.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: portal blood system. After absorption, carbohydrates and proteins are transported via the portal blood system to the liver for further processing and distribution to the rest of the body. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Enterohepatic circulation refers to the recycling of compounds between the liver and the intestines, not the direct route for absorbed nutrients. Gastrointestinal circulation is a vague and non-specific term, not specifically related to the transport of absorbed nutrients. The common bile duct is involved in transporting bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine, not the end products of carbohydrate and protein digestion.

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