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 component of fat can be used to make glucose through gluconeogenesis?

• A. Glycogen
• B. Fatty acids
• C. Glycerol
• D. Monoglyceride

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Glycerol.' Glycerol, a component of fat, can be converted into glucose through gluconeogenesis. Glycogen (Choice A) is a polysaccharide stored in animals, not a component of fat. Fatty acids (Choice B) are used primarily for energy production through beta-oxidation, not for gluconeogenesis. Monoglyceride (Choice D) is a molecule formed during fat digestion, but it is not the component of fat that can be used to make glucose.

3. Which lipoprotein increases the risk of cardiovascular disease?

• A. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
• B. High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
• C. Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)
• D. Chylomicrons

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL). LDL is often referred to as 'bad cholesterol' because it can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is considered 'good cholesterol' as it helps remove LDL from the arteries, reducing the risk of cardiovascular issues. Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and chylomicrons are also lipoproteins that transport fats in the bloodstream, but they are not as strongly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease as LDL.

4. Mucus is produced by the salivary glands and the:

• A. intestinal glands.
• B. esophageal glands.
• C. pineal gland.
• D. islets of Langerhans.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Mucus is produced by the salivary glands to moisten food and aid in swallowing. Additionally, the intestinal glands secrete mucus to protect the lining of the intestines. The other choices, esophageal glands, pineal gland, and islets of Langerhans, are not involved in the production of mucus in the digestive system.

5. In which health problem is protein catabolism increased?

• A. severe burns
• B. severe obesity
• C. hypothyroidism
• D. food allergies

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Protein catabolism increases in conditions like severe burns because the body breaks down muscle protein to provide energy for healing. Severe obesity does not necessarily increase protein catabolism; instead, it is more related to excessive fat accumulation. Hypothyroidism may lead to a decrease in metabolic rate but does not directly increase protein catabolism. Food allergies trigger an immune response to specific foods but do not directly impact protein catabolism.

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