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 is the primary nutritional function of the large intestine?

• A. Absorption of fats.
• B. Excretion of waste products.
• C. Excretion of bacteria.
• D. Absorption of water.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Absorption of water. The primary nutritional function of the large intestine is to absorb water from the indigestible food residue that enters it from the small intestine. This absorption of water helps to form solid waste, which is then eliminated from the body. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the large intestine is not primarily responsible for the absorption of fats, excretion of waste products, or excretion of bacteria. While the large intestine does play a role in waste elimination and contains bacteria beneficial for digestion, its main function in terms of nutrition is the absorption of water.

3. What is the cause of gas formation in the colon?

• A. Consuming refined foods.
• B. Drinking excess water.
• C. Swallowing air while eating.
• D. Bacterial action on organic compounds.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Gas formation in the colon is primarily due to bacterial fermentation of undigested carbohydrates. Choice A, consuming refined foods, is incorrect as gas formation is not directly linked to refined foods but rather undigested carbohydrates. Choice B, drinking excess water, is incorrect as water consumption does not lead to gas formation in the colon. Choice C, swallowing air while eating, is incorrect as this may cause belching but not gas formation in the colon. The correct answer is D because bacterial action on organic compounds, specifically undigested carbohydrates, leads to gas production in the colon.

4. Which observation provides evidence that a person has good nutritional status?

• A. Small muscle mass.
• B. Normal weight-to-height ratio.
• C. Smooth tongue.
• D. Fragile skin.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A normal weight-to-height ratio is a reliable indicator of good nutritional status as it suggests that the person is well-nourished and not underweight or overweight. Small muscle mass (choice A) can indicate malnutrition, a smooth tongue (choice C) can be a sign of vitamin deficiencies, and fragile skin (choice D) can be a sign of poor nutrition or other health issues, but they are not as direct indicators of good nutritional status as a normal weight-to-height ratio.

5. Which component of fat can be used to make glucose through gluconeogenesis?

• A. Glycogen
• B. Fatty acids
• C. Glycerol
• D. Monoglyceride

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Glycerol.' Glycerol, a component of fat, can be converted into glucose through gluconeogenesis. Glycogen (Choice A) is a polysaccharide stored in animals, not a component of fat. Fatty acids (Choice B) are used primarily for energy production through beta-oxidation, not for gluconeogenesis. Monoglyceride (Choice D) is a molecule formed during fat digestion, but it is not the component of fat that can be used to make glucose.

Similar Questions