Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. List 2 Dispensable amino acids

• A. Alanine
• B. Serine
• C. Glycine
• D. Proline

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Dispensable amino acids, such as alanine and serine, can be synthesized by the body and are not required to be obtained from the diet.

3. Which monosaccharide is the most sweet?

• A. Glucose
• B. Dextrose
• C. Fructose
• D. Sucrose

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Fructose is the sweetest of the monosaccharides. Note that glucose and dextrose are the same, and sucrose is a disaccharide, not a monosaccharide.

4. Carmen discovers that the DASH diet contains more fiber and ____ compared to that of the typical American diet.

• A. vitamin C
• B. iron
• C. potassium
• D. sodium

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'potassium.' The DASH diet is rich in potassium, which helps lower blood pressure, making it more effective than the typical American diet, which is often low in this essential mineral. Choice A, 'vitamin C,' is incorrect as the comparison is about fiber and another nutrient, not vitamin C. Choice B, 'iron,' is incorrect as the discussion is about fiber and a mineral that helps lower blood pressure, not iron. Choice D, 'sodium,' is incorrect as the DASH diet actually focuses on reducing sodium intake for better blood pressure control, so it wouldn't be a nutrient found in higher amounts compared to the typical American diet.

5. A nurse in a prenatal clinic is educating a client about expected changes during pregnancy. The nurse should instruct the client about which change during pregnancy is related to the slowing of the gastrointestinal tract?

• A. Diarrhea
• B. Constipation
• C. Decreased absorption of iron
• D. Decreased absorption of calcium

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During pregnancy, the hormonal changes can lead to the slowing down of the gastrointestinal tract, causing constipation. This occurs due to increased progesterone levels, which relax smooth muscles, including those in the intestines, leading to slower bowel movements. Diarrhea is not typically associated with the slowing of the gastrointestinal tract during pregnancy. While there may be changes in the absorption of nutrients like iron and calcium, they are not directly related to the slowing of the gastrointestinal tract.

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