Nursing Elites

1. To raise HDL levels, what is Mrs. Smith advised to do?

• A. quit smoking
• B. increase dietary sodium
• C. take iron supplements
• D. avoid dairy products

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: quit smoking. Smoking lowers HDL levels, so quitting smoking is crucial to raising HDL levels. Increasing dietary sodium (choice B) is not linked to raising HDL levels and can have negative effects on cardiovascular health. Taking iron supplements (choice C) is not directly related to increasing HDL levels. Avoiding dairy products (choice D) is not necessary to raise HDL levels; in fact, some dairy products like low-fat options can be part of a heart-healthy diet.

2. What differentiates one amino acid from another?

• A. The amine group
• B. The acid group
• C. The side chain
• D. None of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The side chain, also known as the R group, is what differentiates one amino acid from another. It imparts unique properties to each amino acid, thereby influencing their roles and functions in proteins. The amine group (Choice A) and the acid group (Choice B) are components of all amino acids and do not cause the differences among various amino acids. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests that none of the given options account for the differences, which is not true as the side chain does.

3. Each statement is true of vitamin K, except one. Which is the exception?

• A. Vitamin K is produced in the gut.
• B. Vitamin K functions as a catalyst for the synthesis of blood-clotting factors.
• C. Vitamin K maintains prothrombin levels.
• D. Vitamin K absorption increases with high levels of vitamin E supplementation.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Vitamin K absorption decreases with high levels of vitamin E supplementation because in larger amounts, vitamin E acts as an anticoagulant. Vitamin K is not produced in the gut but can be obtained from food sources or supplements. Vitamin K is essential for the synthesis of blood-clotting factors and is crucial in maintaining prothrombin levels, which is vital for proper blood clotting. The incorrect choice, D, is misleading as high levels of vitamin E supplementation hinder vitamin K absorption due to its anticoagulant properties. Dental hygienists should be aware of the importance of vitamin K in blood clotting, especially when treating patients who are on anticoagulant medications for conditions like stroke prevention.

4. A nurse is providing dietary teaching for a client who has just learned that she has type 2 diabetes mellitus. The nurse should explain that which of the following sweeteners will add calories to the client's carbohydrate count?

• A. Sorbitol
• B. Sucralose
• C. Aspartame
• D. Acesulfame potassium

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Sorbitol is a sweetener that will add calories to the client's carbohydrate count. It is a sugar alcohol that provides about 2.6 calories per gram. Sucralose, aspartame, and acesulfame potassium are all non-nutritive sweeteners that do not contribute significant calories to the diet. Sucralose is about 600 times sweeter than sucrose but does not add calories. Aspartame is a low-calorie sweetener that is approximately 200 times sweeter than sucrose, and acesulfame potassium is a calorie-free sweetener.

5. All of the following are electrolytes except:

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

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Iron is not an electrolyte; electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and chloride help maintain fluid balance and are critical for nerve and muscle function.

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