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. What is the primary function of protein in the diet?

• A. supply energy.
• B. synthesize vitamins.
• C. build and repair tissue.
• D. store glycogen.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary function of protein in the diet is to build and repair tissues. Proteins are essential for the growth, maintenance, and repair of body tissues like muscles, skin, and organs. While proteins can be a source of energy, their primary role is not to supply energy, making choice A incorrect. Choice B is also incorrect as proteins do not synthesize vitamins; rather, they are essential nutrients themselves. Choice D is inaccurate because glycogen is a form of stored glucose in the body, not a function of protein.

3. Sucrose consists of a combination of glucose and:

• A. maltose.
• B. fructose.
• C. galactose.
• D. lactose.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, fructose. Sucrose is a disaccharide composed of one molecule of glucose and one molecule of fructose. Maltose (choice A) is composed of two glucose molecules, galactose (choice C) is a monosaccharide, and lactose (choice D) is composed of one molecule of glucose and one molecule of galactose. Therefore, fructose is the correct choice for the second component of sucrose.

4. Regurgitation or reflux of acidic stomach contents back into the esophagus is known as:

• A. hiatal hernia.
• B. diverticulitis.
• C. gastroenteritis.
• D. gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation. Choice A, hiatal hernia, is a condition where part of the stomach pushes up into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm. Choice B, diverticulitis, is inflammation or infection of small pouches that can form in the lining of the digestive system. Choice C, gastroenteritis, is inflammation of the stomach and intestines typically caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Therefore, only choice D accurately describes the regurgitation or reflux of acidic stomach contents back into the esophagus.

5. Where does the absorption of most nutrients occur?

• A. Large intestine.
• B. Small intestine.
• C. Stomach.
• D. Mouth.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The absorption of most nutrients occurs in the small intestine. This is where digested food is broken down further and absorbed into the bloodstream through the intestinal walls. The large intestine primarily absorbs water and electrolytes, while the stomach mainly aids in digestion by breaking down food with gastric juices. The mouth is responsible for the initial mechanical breakdown of food through chewing and the enzymatic action of saliva, but absorption does not occur there.

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