Nursing Elites

1. With respect to its effect on colon microflora, fiber is considered a:

• A. prebiotic.
• B. probiotic.
• C. functional food.
• D. protective agent.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: prebiotic. Fiber acts as a prebiotic by providing a food source for beneficial bacteria in the colon, promoting their growth and activity. This helps maintain a healthy balance of microflora in the gut. Choice B, probiotic, is incorrect as fiber itself does not contain live beneficial bacteria but rather supports their growth. Choice C, functional food, is too broad and doesn't specifically address fiber's role in promoting beneficial bacteria. Choice D, protective agent, is vague and does not directly relate to fiber's specific function in colon microflora.

2. Which enzyme is secreted by the salivary glands?

• A. Pepsin.
• B. Trypsin.
• C. Sucrase.
• D. Amylase.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, amylase. Amylase is an enzyme produced by the salivary glands that initiates the digestion of carbohydrates in the mouth. Pepsin (choice A) is produced in the stomach to digest proteins, trypsin (choice B) is produced in the pancreas to digest proteins, and sucrase (choice C) is produced in the small intestine to break down sucrose. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect in the context of an enzyme secreted by the salivary glands.

3. What is the most prevalent dietary disaccharide?

• A. Lactose
• B. Fructose
• C. Sucrose
• D. Galactose

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Sucrose is the correct answer as it is the most common disaccharide found in the diet, commonly known as table sugar. Lactose is a disaccharide found in dairy products, not as prevalent in the overall diet as sucrose. Fructose is a monosaccharide commonly found in fruits and honey, not a disaccharide. Galactose is a monosaccharide commonly found in dairy products and is not the most prevalent dietary disaccharide.

4. One characteristic of an essential fatty acid is that it:

• A. comes from a plant source.
• B. comes from an animal source.
• C. is not manufactured by the body.
• D. is manufactured by the body.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because essential fatty acids are not manufactured by the body and must be obtained through the diet. Choice A is incorrect because essential fatty acids can come from plant sources as well. Choice B is incorrect as essential fatty acids are primarily derived from plant sources. Choice D is incorrect because essential fatty acids cannot be produced by the body. Therefore, the only accurate statement is that essential fatty acids are not manufactured by the body.

5. Which hormone stimulates the gallbladder to contract?

• A. Secretin.
• B. Cholecystokinin (CCK).
• C. Gastrin.
• D. Gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP).

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cholecystokinin (CCK) is the hormone responsible for stimulating the gallbladder to contract and release bile into the small intestine. Secretin primarily acts on the pancreas to stimulate the secretion of bicarbonate-rich fluid. Gastrin functions in the stimulation of gastric acid secretion, while Gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) plays a role in inhibiting gastric acid secretion and stimulating insulin release.

Similar Questions