Nursing Elites

1. Which factor has been shown to increase the risk of development of atherosclerosis?

• A. Menopause
• B. Age older than 35
• C. Increased levels of arachidonic acid
• D. Elevated HDL cholesterol

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Menopause. Menopause is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis due to hormonal changes that affect lipid profiles and vascular health. Conversely, B: Age older than 35 is not necessarily a risk factor for atherosclerosis on its own, though atherosclerosis risk does generally increase with age. C: Increased levels of arachidonic acid is not specifically linked to atherosclerosis; it's a fatty acid that can be both beneficial and harmful to health depending on its metabolic pathway. D: Elevated HDL cholesterol is actually beneficial rather than harmful because HDL cholesterol is known as 'good' cholesterol that helps to reduce the risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis.

2. What is the most common nutritional disorder for the older adult?

• A. Obesity
• B. Underweight
• C. Vitamin deficiency
• D. Dehydration

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Obesity. Among older adults, obesity is the most common nutritional disorder. This is often attributed to reduced physical activity levels and changes in metabolism that occur with aging. Choice B (Underweight) is less common among older adults as compared to obesity. While choices C (Vitamin deficiency) and D (Dehydration) are important nutritional issues, they are generally not as prevalent as obesity in the older adult population.

3. What physiologic role does calcium play in the body?

• A. Blood clotting, transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction and relaxation
• B. Calcium homeostasis, structural integrity of heart muscle
• C. No known metabolic function, caries-preventing properties
• D. ATP energy release; metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, proteins; regulates acid-base balance.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Blood clotting, transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction and relaxation.' Calcium plays a crucial role in various physiological functions such as blood clotting, transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction and relaxation, membrane permeability, and activation of certain enzymes. Choice B is incorrect because while calcium is involved in calcium homeostasis, it is not the only role it plays in the body. Choice C is incorrect as calcium indeed has several known metabolic functions, and it is not solely for preventing caries. Choice D is also incorrect as the functions mentioned are primarily carried out by other nutrients and not specifically by calcium.

4. A nurse is providing dietary teaching to a client who has a new diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Which of the following foods or beverages should the nurse recommend to minimize heartburn?

• A. Orange juice
• B. Decaffeinated coffee
• C. Peppermint
• D. Potatoes

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Potatoes are bland and less likely to relax the lower esophageal sphincter, making them a suitable choice to minimize heartburn in clients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Orange juice and peppermint are acidic and can exacerbate GERD symptoms, while coffee, even decaffeinated, can stimulate acid production and worsen heartburn.

5. Which mineral is a principal component of cell membranes?

• A. phosphorus
• B. magnesium
• C. iron
• D. iodine

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Phosphorus is the correct answer. It is a key component of cell membranes, being part of the phospholipid bilayer that provides structure and controls the movement of substances in and out of cells. Magnesium, iron, and iodine do not serve as principal components of cell membranes. Magnesium is involved in various enzymatic reactions, iron is essential for oxygen transport, and iodine plays a role in thyroid hormone synthesis.

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