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 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.

3. In an analysis of the amino acid composition of foods, the amino acid occurring in the smallest amount is called:

• A. indispensable.
• B. dispensable.
• C. complementary.
• D. limiting.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'limiting.' In the analysis of the amino acid composition of foods, the amino acid that occurs in the smallest amount is referred to as the limiting amino acid. This term is used because when one essential amino acid is deficient, it limits the synthesis of proteins, making it crucial in determining protein quality. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. 'Indispensable' and 'dispensable' refer to the essentiality of amino acids, and 'complementary' does not describe the concept of the amino acid occurring in the smallest amount.

4. What is the primary function of carbohydrates as a food source?

• A. Regulate metabolic processes.
• B. Build body tissue.
• C. Supply energy.
• D. Provide bulk.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary function of carbohydrates as a food source is to supply energy. Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy, providing fuel for various physiological functions. Choice A is incorrect because carbohydrates do not primarily regulate metabolic processes; that role is mainly attributed to enzymes and hormones. Choice B is incorrect because proteins are primarily responsible for building body tissue. Choice D is incorrect because fiber, not all carbohydrates, provides bulk in the diet.

5. What is the term for the production of glucose from protein, lactate, or glycerol?

• A. glycolysis
• B. gluconeogenesis
• C. glycogenolysis
• D. glucogenesis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Gluconeogenesis is the correct term for the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources such as protein, lactate, or glycerol. Choice A, glycolysis, is the process of breaking down glucose into pyruvate. Choice C, glycogenolysis, is the breakdown of glycogen into glucose. Choice D, glucogenesis, is not a recognized term in biochemistry.

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