Nursing Elites

1. The type of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) that develops when the diet lacks protein is called:

• A. kwashiorkor.
• B. marasmus.
• C. anemia.
• D. beriberi.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: kwashiorkor. Kwashiorkor is a form of protein-energy malnutrition that arises due to a protein-deficient diet. This condition leads to symptoms such as edema, skin lesions, and fatty liver. Choice B, marasmus, is a form of PEM caused by overall malnutrition (protein and calorie deficiency), resulting in severe wasting and muscle loss. Choice C, anemia, is a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, not specifically related to protein deficiency. Choice D, beriberi, is a disease caused by thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency, not a form of PEM related to protein deficiency.

2. What substance activates pepsinogen to pepsin?

• A. Bile
• B. Gastrin
• C. Secretin
• D. Hydrochloric acid

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hydrochloric acid. Hydrochloric acid in the stomach plays a crucial role in converting pepsinogen into its active form, pepsin, which is necessary for digesting proteins. Bile (Choice A) is involved in the emulsification of fats, not in the activation of pepsinogen. Gastrin (Choice B) is a hormone that stimulates the secretion of gastric acid but does not directly activate pepsinogen. Secretin (Choice C) is a hormone that regulates the pH of the duodenum but is not responsible for the activation of pepsinogen.

3. How is resistant starch digested in the colon?

• A. bacterial fermentation.
• B. pancreatic amylase.
• C. hydrochloric acid.
• D. villi and microvilli.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the colon, resistant starch is digested by bacterial fermentation. The correct answer is A. During this process, short-chain fatty acids are produced. Pancreatic amylase, as mentioned in choice B, is responsible for breaking down starch in the small intestine, not in the colon. Choice C, hydrochloric acid, functions in the stomach to aid in the digestion of proteins, not starch. Villi and microvilli, as stated in choice D, are structures in the small intestine that absorb nutrients; they do not participate in the digestion of resistant starch in the colon.

4. Which body organ is responsible for the metabolic processing of glucose?

• A. Large intestine.
• B. Gallbladder.
• C. Pancreas.
• D. Liver.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is the liver. The liver plays a central role in glucose homeostasis by metabolically processing glucose. The large intestine is primarily involved in absorbing water and electrolytes, not glucose. The gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver but is not directly involved in glucose metabolism. Although the pancreas produces insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, the liver is mainly responsible for the metabolic processing of glucose.

5. What is the primary function of protein in the body?

• A. Provide energy.
• B. Regulate metabolic processes.
• C. Control muscle contractions.
• D. Build tissue.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The primary function of protein in the body is to build and repair tissues. Proteins are crucial for growth, maintenance, and repair of body tissues, including muscles, organs, and skin. While proteins can be a source of energy, their primary role is not to supply energy. Regulating metabolic processes and controlling muscle contractions are functions typically attributed to other nutrients and compounds in the body, such as vitamins and minerals.

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