what is the term for the study of how diet affects gene expression

HESI LPN

Nutrition Final Exam

1. What is the term for the study of how diet affects gene expression?

A. Epigenetics
B. Nutrigenomics
C. Genomics
D. Genetics

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Nutrigenomics is the study of how diet affects gene expression, influencing health outcomes and disease risk. Epigenetics (choice A) involves changes in gene expression or cellular phenotype caused by mechanisms other than changes in the underlying DNA sequence. Genomics (choice C) is the study of an organism's entire genome. Genetics (choice D) is the study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.

2. How should a healthcare provider respond to a parent concerned about their child's sleep pattern?

A. Recommend a sleep study
B. Suggest increasing daytime naps
C. Provide education on sleep hygiene
D. Advise on medication use

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a parent expresses concerns about their child's sleep pattern, providing education on sleep hygiene is a beneficial response. Teaching parents about establishing a consistent sleep routine, creating a conducive sleep environment, and promoting healthy sleep habits can help address the child's sleep issues. This empowers the parent to make positive changes that can improve the child's sleep patterns. Recommending a sleep study (Choice A) may be premature and unnecessary without first addressing basic sleep hygiene. Suggesting increasing daytime naps (Choice B) may not always be appropriate and could further disrupt the child's nighttime sleep. Advising on medication use (Choice D) should be considered only after other non-pharmacological approaches have been tried and if deemed necessary by a healthcare provider.

3. How should a healthcare provider approach the care of a child with a suspected fracture?

A. Immobilize the affected limb and seek medical evaluation
B. Apply heat to the injury
C. Allow the child to continue normal activity
D. Administer over-the-counter pain relief only

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a child is suspected to have a fracture, it is essential to immobilize the affected limb to prevent further injury. Seeking immediate medical evaluation is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Applying heat to a suspected fracture can worsen the condition by increasing swelling and pain. Allowing the child to continue normal activity can lead to further damage. Administering only over-the-counter pain relief is insufficient and does not address the need for immobilization and professional evaluation.

4. What is a common sign of dehydration in infants?

A. Decreased urination
B. Dry mouth and lips
C. Increased appetite
D. Normal skin turgor

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Dry mouth and lips are common signs of dehydration in infants. When an infant is dehydrated, the body conserves water, resulting in less urine production and concentrated urine. This leads to decreased frequency of urination rather than frequent urination, making choice A incorrect. Choice C, increased appetite, is not typically associated with dehydration in infants but rather with normal growth and development. Normal skin turgor, as mentioned in choice D, is a sign of hydration and not dehydration, making it an incorrect choice. Therefore, the correct answer is B, dry mouth and lips, which indicate a need for fluid replacement.

5. Which measure best describes the amounts of nutrients that should be consumed by the population?

A. The Dietary Reference Intakes, as they provide a set of nutrient intake values for healthy people in the United States and Canada
B. The Tolerable Upper Intake levels, as they indicate the maximum daily amount of a nutrient considered safe for most healthy people
C. The Estimated Average Requirements, as they reflect the average daily amount of a nutrient needed to maintain a specific function in half of the healthy individuals of a population
D. The Recommended Dietary Allowances, as they represent the average daily amount of a nutrient considered adequate to meet the known nutrient needs of practically all healthy individuals

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) are the best measure to describe the amounts of nutrients that should be consumed by the population. RDAs represent the average daily intake level that meets the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97-98%) healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group. Choice A, the Dietary Reference Intakes, provide a set of nutrient intake values but do not specifically address the average daily amount of a nutrient considered adequate for practically all individuals. Choice B, the Tolerable Upper Intake levels, focus on the maximum daily amount of a nutrient deemed safe for most healthy people, not the average daily amount needed. Choice C, the Estimated Average Requirements, reflect the average daily amount of a nutrient needed by half of the healthy individuals, which is not as comprehensive as the RDAs that cater to nearly all healthy people.