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. Individuals with optimal nutritional status differ from those with marginal nutritional status in their:

• A. nutrient reserves.
• B. clinical signs.
• C. body weight.
• D. risk of mental illness.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Individuals with optimal nutritional status differ from those with marginal nutritional status in their nutrient reserves. Optimal nutritional status implies having adequate nutrient reserves, which is lacking in marginal status. Clinical signs (choice B) may or may not be present in both groups and are not the differentiating factor between optimal and marginal statuses. Body weight (choice C) can vary for reasons other than nutritional status. The risk of mental illness (choice D) is not directly related to the comparison between optimal and marginal nutritional status.

3. Which condition may benefit from branched chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, and valine)?

• A. cancer-related malnutrition
• B. marasmus
• C. cardiovascular disease
• D. severe depression

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Branched chain amino acids, such as leucine, isoleucine, and valine, are essential in preventing muscle breakdown. Therefore, they may be particularly important for a patient with cancer-related malnutrition, where maintaining muscle mass is crucial. Marasmus is a severe form of malnutrition characterized by energy deficiency, not specifically related to cancer. Cardiovascular disease and severe depression do not have a direct correlation with the need for branched chain amino acids to prevent muscle breakdown.

4. Which enzyme is produced by the parotid gland?

• A. Salivary amylase
• B. Sucrase
• C. Maltase
• D. Lactase

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Salivary amylase. Salivary amylase is an enzyme produced by the parotid gland that initiates starch digestion in the mouth. It helps break down starch into maltose, a simpler sugar. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because sucrase, maltase, and lactase are enzymes involved in the digestion of disaccharides like sucrose, maltose, and lactose, respectively, in the small intestine, not in the saliva.

5. What is the process by which proteins are synthesized from the available amino acids?

• A. Gluconeogenesis.
• B. Deamination.
• C. Protein synthesis.
• D. Transamination.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Protein synthesis. This process involves the formation of proteins from amino acids to support various body functions. Gluconeogenesis (choice A) is the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, not protein synthesis. Deamination (choice B) is the removal of an amino group from an amino acid, not the synthesis of proteins. Transamination (choice D) is the transfer of an amino group from one molecule to another, not the direct synthesis of proteins.

Similar Questions